Saul looking to the future

Saul looking to the future

17 March 2021

SAUL GAC has unveiled ambitious plans to upgrade its facilities.

The far-sighted club is seeking planning permission for a package of major improvements, including a synthetic pitch and new floodlighting.

Also included are a new spectator stand and scoreboard along with the construction of a commentary building.

The total cost of the improvements is estimated at between £400,000 and £500,000.

A spokesman for the club said the plans were intended to ensure the continued development of the club both on and off the field in the coming years.

He said that new floodlighting would enable the club to hold games in the evening, provide a facility for county championship games and increase the usage during the winter months for all ages.

He said the floodlighting project, estimated at between £150,000 and £170,000, would also include the lighting of the club’s popular community trail.

“The lighting of the trail would bring light into darkness for the many users of the trail in the evening hours and help maximise the trail for the local community.”

He said the club have also identified the need for a 4G playing surface in the local area through its membership.

“Given the ever increasing popularity of the club’s youth teams and one of the biggest Cul Camps in County Down, the club see the benefit of having a 4G surface that provides a longer-term surface for all in the club to utilise and sustain the growing numbers.

“The project is to deliver a training size 4G playing surface, costing between £200,000 to £250,000.” 

He continued: “Saul last year won the Intermediate Championship and with the Senior Championship to look forward to when sport returns, the club are looking to improve the digital connection for live game streams through a proposed commentary building that will enable the club to bring the sport to homes across the world.

“In addition to the commentary building, the club are looking to build a spectator stand to host the many local supporters and travelling visitors to the ground. For the commentary building, spectator stand and new scoreboard it will cost around £50,000 to £75,000 to complete.”

The spokesman said the club was also planning to improve its hall and gym and to carry out a planting scheme. 

“The gym is extremely popular with both club members and public members as it is easily accessible and open 24/7,” he said.

“The hall provides great indoor use for training, parties, events, bowling and many community activities. The club are looking to extend the range of facilitates available to the community.”

The spokesman stressed that all of the projects were subject to planning permission being approved and would be completed in a phased approach as grant funding became available.

He added: “The club are extremely excited by the future development plans and the great asset all will be to the club members, but also to the community that has significantly supported the clubs throughout the years.”