TROWBRIDGE Town Council is set to borrow £2.2 million for a 3G Artificial Turf Pitch at Doric Park.

The new facility will be located next to Trowbridge Rugby Club on the A361 and will be used by both local football and rugby club players.

It will provide an all-year-round training location and will also be available for the public to hire. The development will also provide changing facilities and a gym: the rugby club will also benefit from additional car parking.

Work on the development is likely to start in the new year and it is hoped to complete in time for the start of the 2021/22 football season.

The council’s chief executive Lance Allan said: “This type of facility is much in demand in the Trowbridge area and will complement the existing grass pitch facilities and the proposed additional grass pitches at Elm Grove and Ashton Park, which will include parking and changing rooms.”

The council has already received Section 106 planning contributions of £555,000 and a £450,000 grant from the Football Foundation to help finance the project.

The council says the £2.2 million loan proposed will be fully funded from the income generated by the fees charged to users.

It is likely to cost £104,398 a year in interest at an annual rate of 2.48 per cent over a 30-year period, meaning the project could cost a total of £3,131,962 in interest and loan repayments.

Mr Allan added: “The borrowing application would not be taken until the financial situation of the town council resulting from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the future financial security of the council is understood.”

Tenders are being invited from prospective contractors to provide the new pitch, which will be constructed to national standards.