Construction underway on major new sports development at Leiston school, funded by Sizewell C

• New 3G pitch and games area to benefit pupils and the wider community
• Sizewell C to fund construction works and maintenance
• Alde Valley Academy Headteacher: “High-quality, all-weather facilities will provide far greater training opportunities for our students.”

Construction is underway on a major new sports development at Alde Valley Academy in Leiston, thanks to funding from Sizewell C.

The project will deliver a high-quality, FIFA-approved 3G artificial grass pitch for football, and a new Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) for tennis, netball, and basketball.

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.

Cricket facilities – requested by Sport England during the planning process – will also be added, further expanding the range of sports available on the site.

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.”

The development is being funded through Sizewell C’s Deed of Obligation, a legal agreement between the project, Suffolk County Council, and East Suffolk Council that helps manage and limit the impact of construction on local communities.

In line with the agreement, 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.

Sizewell C will fund the maintenance of the sports development until construction of the power station, currently underway near Leiston, is complete.

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.”

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.

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.”

During construction, residents may notice occasional deliveries of materials, some involving larger vehicles travelling through Leiston. These will be managed carefully to minimise disruption.

The project is scheduled for completion in May 2026.

Anyone with questions or concerns during the construction phase can contact the project team at leisure@eastsuffolk.gov.uk