We are currently working on securing major grant funding to deliver a wide range of new and improved facilities at Brightling Road Leisure Ground. These plans include:
- A new football pitch for Polegate Grasshoppers’ home ground
- Catering facilities and a toilet block
- A new children’s cycle track
- New tennis courts
- A new basketball court
- Resurfacing of the beginners’ skate park
- A brand‑new concrete skate park
- A potential climbing boulder
- An accessible track around the field
- A new bridge with higher load capacity
- Event car‑parking and a small access road
- A fully inclusive playground with a wide range of accessible features
- New CCTV and low‑level solar lighting
- New tree planting for biodiversity and flood‑management
- A new power supply
- A new pump track and refreshed BMX track
- Additional benches and durable grass areas for the annual festival and mini‑railway events
Unfortunately, some further delays have arisen due to planning condition discharge requirements and the timescales of our potential funders. While the original aim was to complete the works by Christmas 2026, this may now extend slightly into 2027 as we await funding decisions.
Grant funding is essential to allow the project to be delivered as a complete package rather than in smaller stages over several years. We will continue to update you as we progress through the required paperwork and legal processes. If funding is not secured, some elements may need to be postponed, though we will actively explore alternative funding sources.
We are working closely with the Grounds Management Association (GMA) and other specialist bodies as we prepare the tender specification documents. The archaeological survey is expected to take place toward the end of March, following earlier delays caused by poor ground conditions.
Please follow our website and social media channels for the latest updates as the project moves forward.