Construction works have begun on a major new sports development, funded by Sizewell C, at Alde Valley Academy in Leiston.
Funded through Sizewell C’s Deed of Obligation, the project will deliver a high-quality, FIFA approved 3G artificial grass pitch for football, alongside a new Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) lined for tennis, netball and basketball. Groundworks commenced in January and the project is on schedule for completion in May 2026.
Both areas will be fully fenced, floodlit, and designed to support year-round activity for Alde Valley pupils, local sports clubs, leisure centre users and the wider community.
A new cricket wicket, requested by Sport England during planning, will also be installed further expanding the site’s sporting offer.
In line with the agreement in place with Sizewell C, East Suffolk Council is working with Alde Valley Academy and Places Leisure to develop a Community Use Agreement to maximise local use. This will enable broad access to the facilities outside of school hours, including opportunities for 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 which helps to manage and limit the impact of construction on local communities.
Nigel Cann, CEO of Sizewell C, said:
“I played a lot of football growing up, and I understand how important it is for young people to have access to a safe, high-quality pitch. It makes a big difference.
“This new pitch will provide a fantastic space for sport, for teamwork, and for wellbeing for many years to come. I’m proud that we can help deliver a space that will benefit the whole area – and it’s another great example of the long-term benefits this project can bring for people in East Suffolk.”
Sizewell C will fund the maintenance of the new sports development until construction of the power station is complete.
Gavin Hetherington, Headteacher at Alde Valley said:
“We are delighted to see construction begin on these excellent new sports facilities at Alde Valley Academy. The 3G pitch and multi-use games area will be a fantastic resource for both the school and the wider community. Many of our students are involved in local football clubs and community teams, and access to high-quality, all-weather facilities will give them even greater opportunities to train, play and develop their skills. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these facilities will have for our students and the wider Leiston community.”
The facilities are designed to meet both the curriculum needs of Alde Valley Academy and the growing demand for accessible, all-weather sports provision in East Suffolk. A natural grass pitch would not be able to withstand the level of year-round use expected by the school and wider community, whereas the proposed surface ensures consistent availability, durability and safe play in all conditions.
The construction programme will last approximately 18 weeks. During this time, residents may notice occasional deliveries of materials, some involving larger vehicles travelling through Leiston. These will be managed carefully to minimise disruption.
Anyone with questions or concerns during the construction phase is encouraged to contact the project team at leisure@eastsuffolk.gov.uk
