Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has announced that Stanley Park will be redeveloped which will increase leisure opportunities and boost grassroots youth and adult football.

The improvement works will include the refurbishment of the existing football pitch, buildings and clubhouse to provide a brand new facility including a community hub building and parking. An Irish Football Association (IFA) standard 3G playing surface with floodlighting is also part of the plan as well as a dedicated training and play area at the west of the site.

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Alderman Martin Gregg, Chair of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council's Planning Committee said: "This is really positive news for the people of Lisburn and Castlereagh. The area has helped produce top-quality players over the years, including the likes of Paul Ferris.

"By investing in Stanley Park and providing enhanced facilities, we hope it will become a hub for football, sport, leisure and entertainment, providing better opportunities for grassroots football, supporting jobs and bringing more people into the city centre.

"Grassroots football is the lifeblood of the sport. By providing the right facilities and extending opening hours, we are able to offer the perfect place for more young people to get involved in the sport providing health and wellbeing opportunities as well as fostering new talent and creating the football stars of the future."