NEW 3G PITCH

A state-of-the-art 3G sports pitch is set to be built at Rutland Sports Park in Ilkeston. The third generation artificial grass pitch will be aimed at promoting engagement with sport, especially youth participation in football. The all-weather pitch, at the sports park on West End Drive, will replace the sand-based pitches and will cost around £400,000. It is just one of a number of projects that will be funded through the council’s £2.8 million share of the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund – Investing in Our Communities. The current pitch is situated in the middle of the outdoor running track at the sports park which is owned by Erewash Borough Council and managed by Legacy Leisure.

Councillor Carol Hart, Leader of Erewash Borough Council, says: “This will be another fantastic initiative that will benefit young people in Erewash and improve the facilities that are on offer at Rutland Sports Park. It will be a great place for all young people to work on their football skills with friend and improve their fitness.”

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. Erewash manufacturing businesses are encouraged to apply for Erewash Borough Council’s new Research and Development (R&D) Grant Scheme, starting later this month. The scheme is one of a number of projects being rolled out by the council over the next two years following a successful bid to the Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. 

The new R&D grants are designed to support local small and medium enterprises in developing and piloting new products or services to help improve their businesses. Erewash based businesses are able to apply for grants from £5,000 up to £20,000 and are required  to provide 33% of match-funding for the projects. Further information about the grants will be available soon on the council website.  Councillor Michael Powell, Lead Member for Regeneration and Planning, says: “This is an excellent opportunity for local businesses to invest in the cutting-edge research and development needed to support UK manufacturing innovation, underpin sustainable economic growth and help to create jobs in Erewash.”

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.