Sporting legends could soon be stepping out on newly created pitches constructed by a Co Armagh company at the new Aviva Stadium.

Clive Richardson Ltd has secured a multi-million pound contract to construct a natural turf pitch and a synthetic pitch for the state-of-the-art Aviva Stadium, which will replace the old Lansdowne Road.

The company is supported by its financial partner Northern Bank, who have also funded a £2m investment in new machinery and equipment.

The new pitches, to be delivered by Clive Richardson Ltd, are part of a wider redevelopment plan for the Lansdowne Road site.

On completion in early 2010, it will have a capacity to hold up to 50,000 people for international soccer and rugby games.

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Managing director Clive Richardson said the new pitches will be the first of its kind, on the island of Ireland, to be constructed using fibrelastic rootzone which combines sand and elastic.

"The Aviva stadium, when completed, will be spectacular and this is matched by a truly innovative pitch design with underground pitch heating and infield sprinkler system making it comparable to other modern international stadiums," he said.

"We will be manufacturing the fibrelastic material and laying the pitches over the next twelve months ahead of the first international rugby match and further soccer fixtures such as Argentina versus the Republic of Ireland next year."

The company which has recently carried out similar work for the RDS Stadium in Dublin said it will be investing over £2m over the next two years to further upgrade its already extensive range of equipment and machinery.

Kevin Kingston, of Northern Bank, said: "The multi-million pound contract will create half a dozen new jobs and will provide a benchmark for its work internationally.

"Our work with businesses such as Clive Richardson Ltd illustrates how we are continuing to act as strategic financial partners for local businesses throughout difficult economic conditions."

Clive Richardson Ltd currently employs 160 people across three sites in Annaghmore, Carryduff and Dublin.

(PR/GK)