More than 70,000 people are expected to benefit from work to upgrade playing pitches in Harlow. Those that regularly play on more than 100 pitches across the district will directly benefit with many more opportunities for the rest of the local community to get more active and involved in sport.

Currently a review of all of the pitches in Harlow is being carried out by leading management consultants Knight, Kavanagh & Page (KKP). KKP will deliver the Council's Playing Pitch Strategy and will support its implementation in regards to funding applications.

The study involves analysis and audit of the provision, quality, distribution and use of outdoor sport facilities as well as identification of community use of facilities.  This will lead to the development of a Strategy and Action Plan for the protection and regeneration of the pitches.

The Harlow Gateway Partnership has earmarked £870,000 for the regeneration of the playing pitches in Harlow, and KKP will work with the partners and stakeholders to apply for additional external funding to provide further improvements.

A Gateway spokesperson said:

"This significant investment in Harlow's playing pitches will enable more people to get involved in sport. And, with even more quality pitches available there will be opportunities for a wide range of sporting activities, including football, cricket and rugby, for people of all ages and ability."

KKP is acknowledged to be a leading expert in the area of sports pitches and facilities, delivering over 50 PPG17, playing pitch and facility strategy assignments for local authorities throughout the UK.

For more information on the Harlow Gateway Project visit the website