Pollock Park & Gibson's Hill Proposal

Strategic Context The existing Lurgan RFC Grounds at Pollock Park are located to the southern periphery of Lurgan, as shown at Figure 1. The alternative site on Gilford Road, which has been identified for the new Clubhouse and Pitches, is located less than 1 mile to the south of Pollock Park. and falls outside of the development limits of both Craigavon Urban Area and Gibson’s Hill. From a strategic context perspective, it is important that the club remains as readily accessible to its existing catchment and support base, but due to lack of space for expansion and modernisation at Pollock Park there is now the opportunity to widen the catchment area for the club so that it becomes accessible to communities within wider area.

Figure 1 – Site Context

Local Context The existing Pollock Park Complex is located at Lower Toberhewny Lane, see Figure 2 . The northern boundary of Pollock Park backs onto housing at Pollock Drive, with the southern boundary backing onto housing at Franklyn Park and a small patch of undeveloped ground. The eastern boundary abuts a mix of residential properties and some commercial premises fronting onto Gilford Road. Pollock Park is bound on all sides by existing development which constrains any opportunity to develop, improve and expand the existing facilities and infrastructure. This is evidenced by the previous planning history of the club whereby planning permission was sought for floodlighting to facilitate evening training, which was subsequently withdrawn as a result of issues relating to the impact on adjacent residential amenity. This has meant that the club facilities have been unable to keep up with the growth in membership and activities. The subject lands for relocation of the Club fall to the east of Gibson’s Hill, as shown at Figure 3 , and currently comprise 2 no. agricultural fields which are separated by a hedgerow. The proposed site sits adjacent to an existing cluster of residential properties at 164-186 Gilford Road to the north, and new housing development at

Figure 2 – Pollock Park Site Location

Figure 3 – Gibson’s Hill Site Location