Construction has begun on major new sports facilities at Alde Valley Academy in Leiston, funded by Sizewell C.

Backed through Sizewell C's Deed of Obligation, the scheme will deliver a high-quality, FIFA-approved 3G artificial grass pitch for football, alongside a new Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) marked for tennis, netball and basketball. Groundworks started in January and the project is scheduled to complete in May 2026.

Both the pitch and MUGA will be fully fenced and floodlit, enabling year-round use by Alde Valley pupils, local sports clubs, leisure centre users and the wider community.

A new cricket wicket, requested by Sport England during the planning stage, will also be installed to broaden the range of activities available on site.

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In line with the agreement with Sizewell C, East Suffolk Council is working with Alde Valley Academy and Places Leisure to create a Community Use Agreement that will maximise local access. This will open the facilities outside school hours to local clubs, Leiston Leisure Centre members and Sizewell C workers.

Cllr Sarah Whitelock, East Suffolk's cabinet member for Communities, Culture, Leisure and Tourism said: "We are anticipating increasing need for leisure facilities in the Leiston area. This project has the double benefit of providing excellent new facilities for students at Alde Valley Academy while offering further opportunities for local residents to take part in sport and improve their physical and mental wellbeing."

Sizewell C's Deed of Obligation is a legal agreement between the project, Suffolk County Council and East Suffolk Council designed to manage and minimise the impact of construction on local communities.

Sizewell C will cover maintenance costs for the new sports facilities until construction of the power station is complete.

The facilities are being designed to meet curriculum needs and respond to growing demand for reliable, all-weather sports provision across East Suffolk. While a natural grass pitch would struggle with the expected intensity of use, the synthetic surface will offer consistent availability, durability and safe play in all conditions.

The construction programme will take approximately 18 weeks.