Plans for a long-awaited "state-of-the-art" football pitch in Radcliffe have taken a step forward after a funding boost. 

After two years of planning, Radcliffe FC and the council has confirmed that the project has won £1.8m in grants from the Premier League, The Football Association (FA) and the Football Foundation in addition to £600,000 already pledged by the local authority.

A new, all-weather 3G pitch will be built at Redbank Playing Fields, where Radcliffe Juniors play.

The proposals also includes the construction of associated parking, a new changing pavilion with a club room, and grass pitch improvements.

It is foreseen that the pitch will play an important role in the wider regeneration of Radcliffe and will bring "opportunities for residents to improve their health and physical activity levels".

The pitch will be managed by the Radcliffe Football Foundation, working with user groups and the community.

Bury Times: A new all-weather football pitch will be built alongside additional parking, a new changing pavilion, and pitch improvements for Radcliffe Juniors A new all-weather football pitch will be built alongside additional parking, a new changing pavilion, and pitch improvements for Radcliffe Juniors (Image: Radcliffe FC)

In a statement on the club’s website, chairman Paul Hilton said he was "delighted" that funding for the project was now confirmed.

He said: “This facility will be an incredible asset to the town allowing the club to continue to accelerate our progress while enhancing sporting participation for all.

“It's been a lot of hard work to get to this stage with brilliant support from the funding bodies and in particular Bury Council who have been an incredibly supportive partner driving this development which will be a leap forward in facility provision not only for our football club but the wider community and another shot in the arm for the Radcliffe Regeneration Project.”

Cllr Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, climate change and operations at the council, added: “This will be a fantastic sporting and wellbeing facility for the existing Radcliffe football clubs and also for the wider community where a wide range of wellness activities are proposed.”

A full planning application has been submitted, with a decision expected early in the New Year.

Two successful 3G facilities have already been established in other areas of the borough- one at Goshen Playing Fields and the other at Elton High school.

Lee Chapman, from Radcliffe Football Foundation and Radcliffe Juniors, said: “This project will allow Radcliffe Football Foundation to provide football and recreational opportunities for the whole community and to promote enjoyment of physical activity as a basis for life-long participation.”

Robert Sullivan, chief executive of the Football Foundation, added: “The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, The FA and government through Sport England – to transform access to grassroots facilities across the country.

“This grant award to improve the facilities at Redbank Playing Fields will support people’s ability to play our national game locally and therefore help unlock football’s many benefits to physical and mental wellbeing.”