SEVERAL new facilities could be constructed on land at Portskewett as part of an innovative project designed to create a sports and leisure hub for the community.

The land in question is known locally as the 'Cornfield' and is a green space located adjacent to the 'Recreation Ground' in Portskewett.

The 'Cornfield Project' was set up following ideas put forward by residents from Portskewett and Sudbrook in April 2012 who agreed the site would be beneficial if used for additional sporting and leisure activities.

A community group called Portskewett and Sudbrook Sport and Leisure (PSSL), was set up to oversee the project.

Since its formation the group has secured a 25 year lease on the Cornfield and has developed a 'wish list' of facilities to be built on the land.

Plans for the site include developing several sporting facilities to unite residents and provide plenty of activities for both communities.

A new football pitch complete with changing rooms is planned for the site with the aim of providing an additional playing field for senior football.

Currently there are three senior men's teams using the only suitable pitch in the village, so it is hoped the new facility will provide an alternative option.

A floodlit court known as a multi-user games area (MUGA) is proposed for the site and is to be used to play netball, basketball, tennis, five-a-side football, volleyball and so on.

A figure-of-eight trail is hoped to be constructed through the site for walkers, runners and cyclists with fitness stations installed around various points.

According to the group these should be constructed using timber from Wentwood Forest.

A sunken concrete square marked out for various sports and activities is also in the pipeline. As the area is sunken there is the potential, if temperature permits, to flood the area and use it for ice skating.

In addition to the new sporting facilities, biodiversity looks set to get a boost with plans in the pipeline for a wildlife garden to attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

An aim of the group is to encourage local schools and nurseries to get involved in this section of the project.

PSSL hopes to provide parking facilities on waste ground adjacenet to the site subject to planning permission.

The site will be accessible to the public from three main points with pedestrian access available at all times.

Funding for the project is set to come from fundraising, sponsorship from local businesses, donations and grants.

Chairman of the project, Mike Fuller, said: "I believe this project will provide additional and much-needed leisure facilities to our ever expanding villages. Especially in light of the loss of playing fields, to accommodate a new supermarket in nearby Caldicot."

Derek Lovell, a contributing member to the project, said: "It's all going very well at the moment.

"The project is going to take some time so it's all systems go."

Earlier last month (5th March) Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) approved plans to change the use of land from agricultural to recreational use.

Plans to construct a barbecue area at the Cornfield were also given the go-ahead.

An open day to update the public about the Cornfield Project has been planned but a date has not yet been confirmed.