Introduction
BHASVIC AGP & MUGA Scheme Description
This proposal outlines plans by BHASVIC (Brighton, Hove and Sussex Sixth Form College) to develop a high-quality, floodlit Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP) and a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) on land within the College’s playing fields.
The scheme includes:
- A 3G AGP measuring 61m x 43m (overall), suitable for intensive football use, particularly by the student body (approximately 3,750 students).
- A MUGA measuring 34.65m x 18.35m (overall), providing flexible space for a range of sports and physical activities (specifically netball).
- Supporting infrastructure including tarmac paths for level access, secure storage for maintenance equipment, and slimline 15m-high LED floodlights for evening use of the AGP and MUGA.
The AGP will also be available for use by the wider community through a Community Use Agreement (CUA). This will help address local demand for accessible all-weather sports facilities.
The proposed site is part of Hove Green, a 4.2-hectare grassed area jointly owned by BHASVIC and Brighton & Hove City Council (BHCC). The development will be located on College-owned land to the west of the main BHASVIC campus, at the junction of Dyke Road and Old Shoreham Road in Hove.
The site currently supports both curricular and extracurricular sporting activity and is publicly accessible when not in College use.
The surrounding context includes residential and commercial uses.
Is not within a Conservation Area
Contains no Listed Buildings
Is not subject to environmental designations
Falls within Flood Zone 1, meaning it is at low risk of flooding
Designated as ‘open space’ under Policy CP16 of the Brighton & Hove City Plan
The proposal is informed by technical plans and supporting information prepared by Surfacing Standards Ltd. The proposal of the development of the AGP & MUGA will supports both student wellbeing and wider community health through improved access to modern, durable sports infrastructure.
Comments from the BHASVIC Principal William Baldwin:
‘My role as Principal at BHASVIC is to ensure that the college has first class resources for our students to use, so that their experiences here match the first class outcomes that they get.
That said, my job is also to ensure that BHASVIC is a good neighbour and a collaborative partner with local stakeholders. Allowing you to have a say in the development of our campus and to incorporate and respond to your needs and concerns is very important to us.
For a number of years BHASVIC has had sub-optimal sporting facilities for our students, whether they are taking qualifications in sport related areas or playing competitive or recreational sport with us we do not have the facilities that they require. In recent times, we have watched many other educational providers develop their sports facilities to include artificial pitches, leaving us behind in what is a competitive market environment for student recruitment.
The poor quality of the pitches on the field preclude their use for high level of participation and often mean our students have to play and train offsite which is time consuming and costly for us. We now have the finances available to invest in an improved resource not only for us, but also the community. We will be hiring these facilities during the college’s current opening hours helping not only to meet our needs and the needs of our students but also those of the wider community.
The planning process is a democratic one, where you are able to have your say. Please do leave complete comments as directed to ensure your voice is heard. I hope we continue to work with you as a thoughtful neighbour and partner.’
