Gosling Sports Park in Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire is set to unveil seven new third generation football pitches on 18 October, replacing old sand-based pitches that had become compacted and susceptible to flooding.

The pitches, being installed by specialist turf contractor Kestral, will comprise six five-a-side pitches and one eight-a-side pitch and will complement the existing floodlit stadium pitch. They will be open to the public from early November.

The project has been funded by a £150,000 loan from Welwyn and Hatfield Council.

Geoff Caine, commercial director of the independent charitable trust which runs the facility, said: "With the new pitches, combined with our good supporting facilities, such as changing rooms and the stadium pitch, we are trying to attract a high standard local football club with a development programme and accreditation."

He added that although the new pitches will be primarily for football, due to the latent demand the trust has identified, they will also be available for hockey and children's activities and sports days.

The 50-acre Gosling Sports Park, which last year opened a £4.7m Lifestyle fitness and spa, also boasts a high performance tennis centre, a 170m ski and board centre and a golf driving range.

Photograph: Penny Arnold, CEO and Lou Sharman, Chairman of Gosling Sports Park