New soccer pitches for Southampton

Work begins next week on new floodlit, all weather five-a-side pitches and a changing pavilion on Millbrook Recreation Ground in the west of Southampton.

The £1.8m project is a joint venture between Southampton City Council, which owns the land and private company, Uforia, which will finance, build and operate the facility.

The pitches will be available to the community on a pay and play basis but will also provide discounted football opportunities for players across the city as part of the council's plan to provide all-year-round playing with quality coaching and competitions.

Councillor Peter Wakeford, cabinet member for leisure, culture and tourism, said: "The project represents another milestone in the leisure division's drive to deliver excellent facilities through a variety of partnerships and funding sources.

"The Uforia facility will help improve the football infrastructure of Southampton and will enhance the city's reputation for footballing talent."

The pitches are expected to open in the summer next year.