STATE of the art 3G football pitches are coming to Castle Point to help more teams enjoy a kickabout. 

Castle Point Council has agreed to invest an extra £97,000, on top of the allocated £341,000, in replacing the all-weather pitch at Waterside Farm Leisure Centre.

At a cabinet meeting, on Wednesday, it was revealed that the 3G pitch at Waterside Farm on Canvey had “reached the end of life and required replacing”.

The council had initially budgeted £341,000 for its replacement, however, following a study, the estimated replacement cost had increased to £438,000.

There were therefore two options presented to the council to either replace the pitch with a like for like replacement – which would not comply with FA guidelines but would be £38,000 cheaper.

Or upgrade the pitch at Waterside, which would meet FA guidelines but also increase the number of small pitches from three to four – in addition to the existing full size 11-a-side pitch.

Councillors agreed to invest an extra £97,000 and upgrade the pitch to help address the demand from football teams and meet the FA standards.

Dave Blackwell, Canvey Independent Party councillor and leader of the council, said: “We know there is a lack of artificial football pitches within the borough.

“The upgrading of the pitch at Waterside to FA standard helps address the demands from local football teams for more spaces to play which meet regulations. It means more teams have access to more facilities at one time.”

The 3G pitch at Waterside was last resurfaced back in 2012.

The extra money needed to pay for the pitch will come out of the council's reserves. 

The authority said the increase in cost was due to inflation and changes to regulations. 

In accordance with FA guidance, the refurbished facility will have a new small standing spectator zone and additional storage will be installed on site. The existing light columns will also be upgraded to energy efficient LED technology.

The council is looking to complete work to replace the pitch by April 2024 and will try to minimise disruption to the forthcoming football season.