19 November 2013
Improvements to FB Fields’ athletics field and running track has been included in the 2014 Budget.
The capital spending provision includes an £810,000 allocation towards the renovations which are designed to maximise the life of the facility.
The proposed improvements include new or upgraded:
- track surface
- lighting
- spectator seating
- equipment
- multi-sport courts
- changing room pavilion
- irrigation system
The primary objective of the project will be to continue to encourage and support Islanders in the widespread pursuit of fitness, including sporting excellence.
The FB Fields project will raise the standard of athletics facilities in the Island to meet the UK Athletics full certification criteria, a necessary investment ahead of the NatWest Island Games, which are being held in Jersey in 2015.
Minister for Treasury and Resources Senator Philip Ozouf said “This is a really exciting opportunity for us to improve Jersey’s Education Sports and Culture offerings to national, certified standard.
"This contributes to the development of a solid infrastructure for the long-term benefit of Islanders and sport in the Island, and also means we are making good use of capital spending to boost the economy.”
The Assistant Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, Deputy Roy Le Hérissier, said "FB Fields is a well-used and extremely popular sporting facility, but one that needs some improvement, which is why I am delighted this investment is going ahead.
“This work will give a new lease of life to FB Fields, not only for the NatWest Island Games, but also for the ongoing benefit of Jersey's sporting community."
The total capital spending provision in the 2014 Budget is approximately £90 million.