The transformative Southside project in southwest Hereford has received the green light to enter its next exciting phase. Herefordshire councillors have approved the installation of floodlights and the refurbishment of the pavilion at Belmont Wanderers’ new 3G sports pitch. This development is part of the broader Southside initiative, one of 15 Stronger Hereford projects backed by £22.4 million in government funding.
Spanning around nine hectares along the Great Western Way footpath, the Southside project aims to create a vibrant mix of sporting and horticultural facilities. Newton Farm ward councillor Jacqui Carwardine highlighted the “phenomenal” growth of the club’s youth teams, noting that the upgraded facilities will significantly benefit young players and help reduce antisocial behavior in the area.
Concerns were raised by local resident Owen Jenkins about potential impacts on nearby wildlife, including bats and owls. However, planning officer Heather Carlisle reassured that modern floodlighting is highly directional and far less intrusive to the surrounding environment, with operations scheduled to cease by 10 pm. The council’s ecologist also raised no objections.
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The unanimous council approval supports Growing Local, a community interest company and key partner in the project. Project manager Louisa Foti explained that while the Southside project was originally designed as a single entity combining sports and horticulture, it has since been amicably divided into separate facilities on either side of a tree belt that runs through the site. Despite this, the partnership remains strong.
Construction of the all-weather, floodlit pitch is set to begin soon, alongside preparation of adjacent grass pitches. Growing Local plans to add more amenities, including an on-site café, cook studio, vegetable cold store, machine shed, and facilities for volunteers.
Growing Local has also established a thriving educational garden with a full program of visits from local schools. A heritage orchard has been planted, and volunteers cultivate crops in four polytunnels and open fields to support a popular vegetable box scheme and supply local food outlets.
Louisa Foti emphasized the profound impact the project has had on the community: “For some children, coming here has been life-changing.”