Athletes of all ages and levels of fitness will be able to use the track at Devonport’s Foulston Park on dark evenings, thanks to a move to replace the floodlights as part of the transformative project.
The lights at the former Brickfields site failed this winter and the project now includes an upgrade to modern LED units to ensure the athletics track remains fit for purpose.
Foulston Park is a landmark initiative that the Council has jointly embarked on to transform an underused sports facility into some of the finest sports and wellbeing facilities in the South West.
The park’s new state-of-the-art sports, wellbeing and community hub recently opened its doors as part of the project’s ambition to transform health, fitness, youth and community facilities for Devonport and the wider city.
In 2023 the Council approved a funding commitment of £2.752 million, against a total project cost of around £21 million. Since then, the project has moved at pace, with work well under way across the site and the first phase of all-weather pitches the next in line for completion.
There has been significant capital funding from Plymouth Argyle FC and Plymouth Argyle Community Trust, as well as external grants but, as the project has progressed, there have been several unforeseen challenges leading to a re-evaluation of funding requirements.
Other new costs include upgrades to the hub to ensure it is fire compliant, an electrical supply upgrade to accommodate the requirements of a commercial kitchen, re-laying an existing artificial rugby pitch and more groundwork and drainage work than anticipated at several locations on the site.
Plymouth Argyle Community Trust and Plymouth Argyle FC, who are responsible for project delivery, have asked for an extra £900k capital support from the Council in the form of a grant.
Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet member for with responsibility for sport and leisure, said: “No one wants to spend over a set budget but, as with many construction projects, there are unexpected challenges that need to be resolved as they crop up.
“We need to think about the huge gains this health and wellbeing hub will create for the people of Devonport and beyond, helping to improve and promote ways for people to access physical activity and deliver on the city’s Active to Thrive action plan.
“These great new facilities show what collaborative working can achieve and there was a real buzz from local people at the recent launch. They open up the site and not only make residents feel welcome and supported on their journey to better health but also open the doors to more education, training and employment opportunities.”