A FIVE-A-SIDE soccer centre is being built opposite Chester FC’s ground.

The Bumpers Lane development, open seven days a week, will feature 10 all-weather pitches, a pavilion and car parking.

The centre, available for use by the public at no cost at agreed times, will create more than 30 jobs.

Keith Rogers, managing director of Goals Soccer Centres which already operates 41 such sites, said: “Goals are investing over £2m developing a state-of-the-art football facility featuring the very latest 5G artificial grass.

“The centre will feature 10 floodlit five-a-side and seven-a-side arenas. A state-of-the-art pavilion will provide quality changing and shower facilities with a licensed sports lounge.

“The centre is scheduled to open at the end of the year.

“We will run a variety of FA affiliated five and seven- a-side leagues and arenas can also be booked by groups for friendly games and for training.”

Pat Cluskey, chief executive of Chester FC, hopes to negotiate a deal for community work at the site, which is opposite The Exacta stadium, but says the pitches are not big enough for the first team to train there.

He said: “We are hoping to do some Saturday morning coaching with the children.”

The commercial aspect of the soccer centre relies on maximising commercial use on week day evenings while allowing schools to use the site on a fee-paying basis the rest of the time.

Backers says the development, which features directional lighting and is situated away from residential areas to ensure minimal noise disturbance, will improve the appearance of an under-used site.