EXCITING plans which could see the transformation of Bodmin’s main football facility into a playing surface and amenity fit for the 21st century has been formally put before planners by the Cornwall FA.

The plans for Priory Park are to create not only a new 3G pitch, but also a new Cornwall FA headquarters and community hub that meets the needs of the local community and grassroots football.

The development is being progressed in two phases.

Phase one will focus on the creation of the 3G pitch, alongside the facilities required to support both the new pitch and the existing second grass pitch. This includes appropriate changing facilities for players and match officials, spectator toilets and supporting facilities.

Phase two will focus on the development of the new community hub, which will also become the new headquarters of Cornwall FA.

A funding application has been submitted and is currently being assessed by the Football Foundation. As part of the project, improvements are also required to the existing supporting facilities to ensure they are fit for purpose and meet the required standards.

The current stand and changing room building is in a poor state of repair and requires significant work to provide a modern, safe and welcoming environment. The project group explored two options; refurbishing the existing building or introducing temporary facilities while the wider development progresses.

Given the age and condition of the existing building, the extent of the work that would be required and the fact that it would ultimately be removed as part of phase two, the project group has concluded that the most appropriate approach is to remove the current stand and changing room building and introduce temporary facilities.

Cllr Mike Barbery, the mayor of Bodmin, said: “This is an exciting milestone for a project of real scale and ambition for Bodmin. The investment proposed for Priory Park has the potential to create fantastic new opportunities for grassroots football and community participation, while the ambition for a new community hub and Cornwall FA headquarters represents something really significant for the town.

“Bodmin Town Council is proud to be working alongside Cornwall FA and Bodmin Town Football Club to help bring that ambition forward. There is still work to do and further community engagement to come, but it is particularly exciting to see Bodmin at the heart of an opportunity of this scale.”

John Fabby, the chair of Cornwall FA, said: “I am delighted the project has reached this important milestone. Given the significant technical challenges involved, this progress is especially rewarding for the whole team.

“The board would like to thank Vicky Fisher and Dan Greenough for their hard work and commitment in bringing us to this point. We would also like to recognise the invaluable support and contribution of Bodmin Town Council, which has been an integral part of the project team throughout.

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“We look forward to continuing to work closely with Bodmin Town Football Club as the project develops and collectively taking the next steps towards delivering our ambitions for Priory Park.”