2014 Budget proposes support for improvements to FB Fields

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The Capital Spending provision in the 2014 Budget includes a £810,000 allocation to support the improvement of FB Fields’ athletics field and running track. The renovations will be designed to maximise the life of the facility and will focus on providing a new track surface, lighting and spectator seating, as well as new equipment, multi-sport courts, improved changing room pavilion and a new irrigation system.

The primary objective of the project will be to continue to encourage and support Islanders in the widespread pursuit of fitness, including sporting excellence.

The FB Fields project will raise the standard of athletics facilities in the island to meet the UK Athletics full certification criteria; this will be a necessary investment for the 2015 Natwest Island Games.

The Minister for Treasury and Resources, Senator Philip Ozouf, said “This is a really exciting opportunity for us to improve Jersey’s Education Sports and Culture offerings to national, certified standard. This contributes to the development of a solid infrastructure for the long-term benefit of Islanders and sport in the island, and also means we are making good use of capital spending to boost the economy.”

The Assistant Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, Deputy Roy Le Hérissier, said "FB Fields is a well-used and extremely popular sporting facility, but one that needs some improvement, which is why I am delighted this investment is going ahead.

“This work will give a new lease of life to FB Fields, not only for the Natwest Island Games, but also for the ongoing benefit of Jersey's sporting community."

The total Capital Spending provision in the 2014 Budget is approximately £90 million.