28/10/2025: Planning approved for 3G football pitch in phase three of Breckland's bold vision for Attleborough Leisure Centre redevelopment

Exciting news for Attleborough - Breckland Council is a step closer to the construction of new outdoor sports facilities right in the centre of town, bringing leisure to the high street. 

At Planning Committee today, 28 October, Breckland Council, along with its partners Attleborough Academy, Sapientia Education Trust, Attleborough Town Council, Norfolk County Council, and locally affiliated Football Clubs, secured planning permission for the construction of a brand-new, all-weather, full-sized 3G pitch on the Academy playing field, bringing with it a raft of new external facilities that will complement the first two phases of internal facility redevelopment. 

Now that planning approval has been secured, the next stage is for the council to work with the Football Foundation and its partners to submit a grant funding application, securing the necessary funds for delivery. 

Locals of all ages will be able to take advantage of these additional outdoor facilities, with school students having access during school hours and the facilities available at all other times for community use. The 3G pitch will be a full-size pitch that can be divided into smaller pitches and can be used for various other sports. 

This third phase is part of a wider vision for upgraded, more accessible multi-sports facilities in Attleborough, with the council already investing £2.4m in improving the existing internal leisure facilities, linking the existing sports hall with the sixth form centre via a newly constructed building as part of phases one and two. 

Phase three will see the old sixth form centre building converted into dedicated changing rooms for the external leisure facilities. These rooms will also serve as the dedicated changing facilities for Academy students during school hours, ensuring that safeguarding boundary lines can be effectively implemented.

Alongside the new 3G pitch, new athletics facilities will be built on the Academy playing field. There will also be additional grass football pitches, and the pre-existing facilities for rugby, tennis, basketball and netball are proposed for future community use under the wider development of the site. 

Cllr Tristan Ashby, Executive Member for Health and Communities, said: "I am thrilled at the decision to bring these new facilities to Attleborough Town Centre. This development represents a huge step forward in providing high-quality, accessible, and inclusive sports facilities for our community.  

"The 3G pitch and other sports areas will not only benefit young people through school use but also support local sports clubs and community groups, helping to promote healthier lifestyles and greater community engagement. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this investment will have on Attleborough for generations to come." 

Emma Davies, Deputy CEO of the Sapientia Education Trust, commented: "We are delighted that planning permission has been granted for the 3G pitch at Attleborough Academy. In conjunction with the ongoing refurbishment and expansion of the current leisure centre facilities, the pitch will provide Attleborough Academy students with exciting new opportunities to access a wider range of sporting and fitness activities."  

Andrew Westby, Mayor of Attleborough Town Council, said: "The approval of the planning application for the 3G pitch is a really positive step for the benefit of the town. The work put in up to now and the co-operation between Breckland Council, the Sapientia Trust and this council to achieve a major sports facility for the Academy and the town's residents is truly heartening. We are looking forward to seeing the project progressing and finalised in due course so that the facility can be put to use by all."