Hockey pitch surfaces set for major upgrade

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is delighted to announce an investment of approximately £480,000 towards replacing the hockey pitch surfaces at Marks Arena at Antrim Forum and Valley Leisure Centre in Newtownabbey.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Thomas Hogg announces the investment at Marks Arena at Antrim Forum. He is pictured with Alderman John Smyth, Chair of Operations, Patricia Logan, Secretary of Randalstown Hockey Club, Roberta Flaherty, Antrim Forum Manager, Vera McWilliam, Vice-Chair of Operations, Paul Whiteside, Andy Cleghorne and Tommy Monaghan, Antrim Mens Hockey Club and Jonathan McMeekin, Coach Education and Club Development Officer, Ulster Hockey.Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Thomas Hogg announces the investment at Marks Arena at Antrim Forum. He is pictured with Alderman John Smyth, Chair of Operations, Patricia Logan, Secretary of Randalstown Hockey Club, Roberta Flaherty, Antrim Forum Manager, Vera McWilliam, Vice-Chair of Operations, Paul Whiteside, Andy Cleghorne and Tommy Monaghan, Antrim Mens Hockey Club and Jonathan McMeekin, Coach Education and Club Development Officer, Ulster Hockey.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Thomas Hogg announces the investment at Marks Arena at Antrim Forum. He is pictured with Alderman John Smyth, Chair of Operations, Patricia Logan, Secretary of Randalstown Hockey Club, Roberta Flaherty, Antrim Forum Manager, Vera McWilliam, Vice-Chair of Operations, Paul Whiteside, Andy Cleghorne and Tommy Monaghan, Antrim Mens Hockey Club and Jonathan McMeekin, Coach Education and Club Development Officer, Ulster Hockey.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Thomas Hogg comments; “We are committed to the continuing development of sport and physical activity throughout the Borough and this project represents an important long-term investment in our local hockey clubs and sport generally.

“Replacing the pitch surfaces and providing facilities to meet demand will support the sustainability and future development of hockey for many of our local clubs and users within the Borough.”

Alderman John Smyth, Chair of Operations Committee explains; “Both pitches have reached the end of their useful life and have been unplayable particularly during periods of prolonged rainfall.

“I look forward to seeing the refurbishment works completed and the pitches being used and enjoyed to their full potential again.”

Alderman Smyth continues: “Local hockey stars such as the Cleghorne brothers, who just recently qualified for the 2016 Olympics, have been brought up using the facilities at Antrim Forum and the investment such as this will ensure that we can provide more sporting stars of the future.”

The refurbishment works, which are estimated to cost in the region of £480,000 will include a new carpet as well as work to the drainage system.

A Consultant and Contractor will now be appointed and will carry out additional testing to assess the full extent of work required.