62 new playing fields were created in 2004/05, turning land into grass sports pitches for communities and clubs. This builds on the 72 playing fields created in 2003/04. 64 new changing rooms, 147 multi-use games areas, 91 synthetic turf pitches and 106 sports halls were among the other new facilities created.
In contrast, only two playing fields were lost, neither of which were accessible to the public.
Says Minister For Sport, Richard Caborn: “It’s great news for sport that, for the second consecutive year, more playing fields are being created than being lost. In fact, more than £387 million was invested into 482 outdoor sites and 157 indoor facilities last year.
“This shows we are delivering on our commitment to reverse the decline of playing fields and put sport back at the heart of life in this country. We now have in place the best-ever protection through Government planning regulations and today’s figures show that the system is working. The majority of applications to develop playing fields now come from bodies who want to improve their sports facilities.”
