Plan for spectator stands, floodlights and 3G pitch approved

Football facilities at Myra Shay, off Barkerend Road, will get a £2m boost – with the bulk of the funding coming from the Football Foundation.

And this week Bradford Council approved an application to transform the existing facilities in a section of the park to create a new 3G Artificial Grass Pitch with perimeter fencing, floodlights, a 100-person seated spectator stand, a 100-person standing terrace, as well as an extension to the car park.

The existing facilities at Myra Shay (Image: T&A)

There will be turnstile access to the new stadium, and Bradford Council hopes local teams make the improved grounds their home, making the most of a facility that will be up to FA standards.  

The Football Foundation announced it would be investing millions into Bradford facilities last year.

As part of the investment, it would provide £1.4m for the work at Myra Shay, with owners Bradford Council providing a further £600,000.  

The changes will be made to the pitch and clubhouse nearest the car park, and will limit public use of the pitch.

Myra Shay (Image: T&A)

The plans were discussed at a meeting of the Bradford Area Planning Panel on Wednesday.

A report to members said: “The development upgrades this part of the recreation ground from an open-sided football pitch with unrestricted access to a formal club ‘ground’ including the necessary improvements to the facilities and services.

“The development would not impact negatively on the visual amenity of the area and has to be weighed against the benefits of the scheme in terms of the progress of the football club and local facilities.

“The remainder of Myra Shay remains unaltered.”

Damage to the existing pitch at Myra Shay (Image: T&A)

The plans were approved unanimously, with one of the conditions being all floodlights would have to be switched off by 10pm.

After the meeting, a spokesperson from Bradford Council said: “Access to quality sports facilities is a vital part of our ambition of supporting the health and wellbeing of Bradford’s residents.

“Bradford Council is working with the Football Foundation to improve a number of our sports facilities across the district and an application has been submitted to install a new floodlit all-weather pitch and associated infrastructure at Myra Shay Park.

"Subject to funding being approved, we are hoping work will start in Summer 2024 and be completed in time for the 2024/2025 football season.”

Other sites that will be improved with the Football Foundation cash will include Marley Activities Centre in Keighley, which will get £4.5m from the FF, topped up with a further £3m from Bradford Council.