After making a second application to Sport England back in Jan 2016, it has just been confirmed by East Devon District Council (Press Release) that the bid for the lion’s share of the funds needed to replace the ageing Ottery astro has been successful. This is brilliant news and means that the future of hockey is guaranteed in Ottery for at least the next 25 years. It is anticipated that the installation work will take place after the 2016-17 season.
The success of the bid reflects a lot of hard work over the last 3 years by Leisure East Devon (LED) working with East Devon District Council (EDDC), The King’s School, England Hockey’s Relationship Manager for Devon and Cornwall and the Club to achieve this brilliant outcome. There inevitably are a few more twists and turns ahead, including a key bid to the National Hockey Foundation (NHF) to top up the £100K funding secured so far. Overall, the project will cost a shade over £300,000 – with £150,000 from Sport England and the NHF being matched by the same amount from EDDC, LED and The King’s School.
The Club will be involved in putting together the detailed user requirement which it is anticipated will see a facility that is suited to both 11-a-side hockey and small sided games cross-pitch as well as other sports from school and community user groups. The current sand-filled surface will be replaced by a FiH Category 2 sand-dressed surface (like Sidmouth) which is good for all levels up to and including international training. In addition, we are expecting safer arrangements for players and spectators, environmentally friendly lighting, better fencing and goals and storage facilities.