A NEW sports pitch is set to be built at the former Radcliffe Riverside School after plans were approved by Bury Council.

The new multi-use games area (MUGA) is set to be used by students at the Pupil Referral Unit which was moved to the Spring Lane site last year, but will also be available for public use outside school hours.

Proposals to construct the tarmac pitch at the front of the refurbished building, in an area formally occupied by the original school, were given the green light last week.

The development comprises the small games area, several additional sections of mesh fencing, and dedicated floodlighting for night-time use.

In a statement submitted with the plans, council officials said: "Meeting educational requirements of all pupils across the town is vitally important, particularly those who have additional educational needs (SEN) and moving to a more central, single-site position will enable pupils and resources to be brought together at one convenient and purpose designed and built facilities to deliver a full curriculum.

"One important aspect of meeting these needs is to provide adequate opportunities to take in fresh air and engage in both indoor and outdoor sporting activities.

"The site benefits from a large sports hall, gym, swimming pool and indoor leisure facilities and it’s felt that a new purpose-built external Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) would provide additional important benefits outside."

The remainder of the area previously occupied by part of the original school will be soft landscaped to improve the front aspect of the building and provide additional leisure and break-time opportunities for the school.

They added: "Pupils at the PRU will also benefit from existing sport and leisure facilities originally built with the former high school which were opened up some time ago for shared use by the local community mainly outside school hours and run by the council’s leisure services department.

"These have now been expanded to include a swimming pool, gym and additional leisure facilities which are available to the public throughout the day and in the evenings.

"The proposed MUGA, whilst essentially being used during school hours by PRU pupils will have added benefits to the local community by being offered for public use outside school hours in the evenings and at weekends with energy efficient floodlighting allowing continued use on dark evenings."