On Air Now

Monday Breakfast

7:00am - 10:00am

Now Playing

Avicii

Hey Brother

Listen Live Watch

Crown Oil Arena pitch rebuild enters final phase ahead of Truro clash

Thursday, 8 January 2026 19:25

By David Murphy

Work to replace the pitch at Rochdale AFC’s Crown Oil Arena is ahead of schedule, according to Managing Director Andy Duff.

Despite recent frost-related setbacks, Duff confirmed that around 80% of the upper root zone – the final layer before turfing – is already on site, with the remaining material expected to arrive by the end of the week. The surface will then be levelled between Saturday 10 and Tuesday 13 January.

The turf, currently being prepared for harvest at a specialist farm, is scheduled to be delivered and laid from Wednesday 14 to Saturday 17 January. If the timeline is maintained, the rebuild will finish two days earlier than planned, allowing for a full week of bedding-in before the home fixture against Truro City on Saturday 24 January.

Duff explained that the installation of a Hero carpet hybrid system gives the club additional flexibility. Should delays occur, the pitch could still be ready by Thursday 22 January without affecting the scheduled match.

“We’re on track and confident,” said Duff. “This timeline puts us in a strong position to complete works early. Even if we face minor disruption, the nature of the new surface means we remain well placed to host the Truro fixture as planned.”

Rochdale AFC has promised to keep fans updated on progress throughout the next fortnight as the final phase of works continues.

Share

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

 

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Comments

Add a comment

Log in to the club or enter your details below.

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

 

Recently Played

Newsletter

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

   

Coming up next On Air

  • Monday Breakfast

    7:00am - 10:00am

    getting you out of bed and to work and school with great music and headlines.

  • Monday Morning Mix

    10:00am - Noon

    Join Alan Duckworth with a mix of all genres of music and general chat around book music, scooters and other social interests with a relaxing Smooth 15 minutes after the 11 o’clock news.

  • Lunchtime with Joe

    Noon - 2:00pm

    bringing you a wide mix of music and chat during your lunch break.

  • Monday Gospel

    2:00pm - 3:00pm

    with Mary Walsh bring you a wide-ranging gospel music from all over the world.

  • Monday Drivetime

    3:00pm - 6:00pm

    with Alexandra and James getting you home on your favourite Drivetime station.

  • Retro City

    6:00pm - 8:00pm

    Steven Cummiskey spends some time in Retro City, where we take you back to the good old days. Playing a variety of music, with some gems and obscurities. We also focus on what happens on this day, with number ones, birthday and TV shows airing.

Roch Valley Radio is a not-for-profit radio station serving Bury and Rochdale including the surrounding areas on DAB, your Smart Speakers and Online.

© Copyright 2026 Roch Valley Radio CIC. Powered by Aiir.