WORK has begun on a new all-weather 3G pitch at Bangor University’s Treborth site.

The pitch will provide year-round rugby and football facilities for student teams, as well as being available for hire by the local community.

Richard Bennett, Bangor University’s director of commercial services, said: "We have already had a large number of enquiries regarding the facility, and have taken a significant number of bookings for next season from both local football and rugby clubs.

"When we also take into account the number of student clubs that will be training there, it's already looking busy every weeknight.”

Already signed up to use the facility are Bangor Rugby Club and Welsh Premier League side, Caernarfon Town FC.

Joe Simpson, Welsh Rugby Union hub officer, who is based at Bangor Rugby Club, said "This area has been in great need of an all-weather pitch for a long time.

"It's going to be a fantastic facility for the student rugby teams and provide a great experience to those people who might be trying rugby for the first time at University."

Students' Union president Ruth Plant added: “This will be a fantastic addition to the sports facilities at the University.

"It will provide year round opportunities for our students to excel in their activities with so many students being able to benefit from it. We also think it’s great that teams and groups from the local area will also be able to use it.”

Funding for the pitch was granted based on a 10 year repayment model taking into account a competitive pricing structure based on the pricing of other nearby facilities as well as a contribution from the Welsh Rugby Union towards LED floodlighting.

The new facility is planned to open in the summer. For further information, call 01248 382571.