Richhill AFC has submitted a major planning application for the second phase of its long-term facilities development – a move the club says will create a “modern, inclusive and sustainable” home for football and community sport in the village.
The Phase 2 proposals, lodged with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, centre on a new community hub and changing complex.
The plans include solar panels, a spectator stand, additional car parking and associated fencing – a significant investment aimed at strengthening football provision, community activity and local health and wellbeing.
Club chairman Neil Megaw described the new phase as the next major step in Richhill AFC’s growth.
“Phase 2 represents the next major step in our vision for Richhill AFC,” he said.
“These new facilities will create a modern, inclusive and sustainable home for football and community sport, supporting players, volunteers, families and local organisations for many years to come.”
The latest plans come hot on the heels of the club’s £500,000 full-size synthetic floodlit pitch project – Phase 1 of its development programme – which is now nearing completion at its leased grounds at Richhill Recreation Centre.
That pitch, funded through the Irish FA / DCMS 2025/26 Grassroots Facilities Investment Fund and constructed by local firm Clive Richardson Limited (CRL), is expected to be completed in the coming weeks. When funding for the pitch was announced earlier this year, Mr Megaw branded it “transformational” for both the club and the wider community.
“Our growing number of teams will now have access to state-of-the-art facilities while the PE and extra-curricular multi-sports programmes of local schools (particularly nearby Hardy Memorial PS) will also benefit during off-peak hours,” he said at the time.
“A wide range of other football and non-football community groups will enjoy access to the facility thus dramatically increasing the number of visitors into Richhill village, which subsequently can also only be good for local businesses. Therefore, everyone is a winner.”
The almost-complete 3G pitch will, according to the club, further enhance strong partnerships with local schools – particularly Hardy Memorial Primary School – by providing a high-quality, year-round surface for PE and extra-curricular activities.
Beyond schools, Richhill AFC’s facilities are already regularly used by community groups, youth organisations, health and wellbeing programmes, recreational teams and for local events, underlining the club’s role as a key community hub for the village and surrounding rural area.
“Our grounds are used by so many different groups across the community,” Mr Megaw said.
“Phase 2 will allow us to expand this even further by providing modern changing facilities, community rooms and improved accessibility for all users. This development will support not only football, but also wider health and well being activities across the area.”
To deliver the new phase, the club is currently exploring a range of funding options, and is engaging with potential partners and funders who share its commitment to improving local sports and community infrastructure.
“We are determined to secure the investment needed to bring this project to life,” Mr Megaw added.
“Our aim is to ensure that Richhill AFC continues to grow as an inclusive, accessible and community focused organisation.”
The chairman has previously stressed that achieving major funding – such as the £500,000 secured for the 3G pitch – has required extensive collaboration and support from across the community, with letters of support from local groups and significant input from key individuals and professionals.
In its latest statement, the club paid particular thanks to Colin Lindsay of CT Lindsay Chartered Architect Ltd for his work on the Phase 2 planning application. Relevant drawings and artist impressions of the proposed community hub and associated facilities have been prepared as part of the submission.
