Some are now sounding out the market to seek sustainable drainage solutions for playing pitches and other areas, in a move also aimed at increasing income.
The plan at Wakefield Metropolitan District Council is to increase the amenity value of council sports grounds and facilities. The council is looking for "innovative and cost-effective solutions" in a possible £1m contract. Work would take place in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield in West Yorkshire.
The council wants to "explore the scope to provide the best possible solution for the district's sports pitches, to signal its direction of travel to the market and make the supply chain aware of our future requirements in relation to sustainable drainage". The project has relevance at school facilities, car parks and in the urban environment.
A council representative said: "Wakefield manages a number of sports grounds. Many of the sites suffer from flooding, which normal maintenance has been unable to resolve, resulting in a significant loss in access, amenity and income, and limited development options.
"The council has identified a specific requirement - a cost-effective and sustainable solution to long-term pitch maintenance with regard to flooding that will maximise use of pitches and facilitate the development of the pitches' amenity.
"With challenging efficiency savings the council also needs to demonstrate that the solution increases income and amenity value and provides other benefits, for example, with regard to carbon savings.
"The council is aware that 'business as usual' will not deliver these aspirations - new approaches and thinking are needed."
Published: 3/09/2010
Source: http://www.hortweek.com
