Brierley Hill's Dell Stadium could be in line for a £660,000 revamp

The Dell Stadium on Bryce Road has been granted £550,000 from the Football Foundation through the FA and a potential £110,000 from the council.

The proposed plans include a refurbishment of the existing pitch, an extended pitch area with a new playing surface, hard standing areas for pedestrian access, goals storage, replacement floodlights and outdoor storage for maintenance equipment.

Andy Bell, interim head of sport and leisure at Dudley Council, said: "The pitch has reached the end of its natural life, it was put down in 1998 but various complaints have been made about the quality.

"We're hoping to start work on the construction in March or April which will run for 18 weeks but the new pitch will hopefully open for the start of 2017/18 football season.

"The new pitch will be big enough to play competitive 11-aside football and smaller areas can be used for training."

The pitch is currently used by Wordsley Wasps, Pensnett Panthers and Dudley Town football clubs.

Dudley Ladies Hockey Club used to use the pitch but recently moved to South Wolverhampton and Bilston Academy as the Dell's pitch didn't suit their requirements.

Andy added: "We're hoping that the new pitch will encourage more clubs to come and train or play at the Dell.

"We're simply providing a facility which is in greater demand."

The dell currently has a floodlit 400m athletics track with field facilities which are currently used by Dudley and Stourbridge Harriers Athletics Club.

Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member responsible for leisure centres, said:

"Working in conjunction with The FA and local groups such as Dudley Town FC and Pensnett Panthers FC, we are resurfacing the artificial grass pitch at Dell Stadium.

"We will replace the surface with newer materials that are more sustainable and fit for purpose, which will allow more groups to utilise the facilities.

"The project is expected to cost £650,000 and will be predominately funded by a grant from The FA Football Foundation. The remaining £110,000 will be funded through the council's capital allocations programme."

The application will go to the planning committee in coming weeks.