Source: City of Plymouth
A new home for Plymouth’s athletes is getting on track with work starting on the concrete foundation for their new pavilion.
Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Sport, Leisure and HR and OD, started the big dig to mark the start of work which will see foundations laid and services run into the site.
The preparation work is being carried out as part of a massive city investment in sports and wellbeing at the former Brickfields Sports Centre and wider site.
Now called Foulston Park, the ambitious project has been delivered through a partnership involving Plymouth Argyle, Argyle Community Trust, Plymouth City Council, Plymouth Albion RFC and Devonport Community Leisure Limited.
City of Plymouth Athletics Club is also a key stakeholder and as part of the extensive negotiations that enabled the redevelopment to go ahead, surrendered the lease on their old club house in return for support for a new pavilion to be built.
The old pavilions was a wooden clubhouse on land on the other side of the car park, but their new home will be track side, with the Foulston project contractors preparing the land for foundations and utilities to run into the new building.
The new pavilion is a steel fabricated unit and will be installed over the summer. Costing in the region of £50,000, it has been funded through grants from Plymouth City Council, the Armada Athletics Network and the club.
Chair of the club, Paul Crutchley said: “This is a very exciting time for the club and is something we have wanted to see happen for a long time. Having the pavilions and a modernised weight and gym facility closer to the track will enable athletes and coaches to train more effectively as well as providing a focal point for the athletic community and support athlete rehabilitation.”
Getting the pavilion installed is just part of the job. Work needs to be carried out to transform the interior, with plans for a small kitchen, a separate meeting room and small storage room – work he is hoping to persuade club volunteers to help with.
Councillor Sue Dann said: “There are around 330 club members with aspiring athletes and a host of volunteers who give up their time to support, coach and encourage people of all ages and ability on their athletic journey.
“They do an incredible job and are truly unsung heroes! It’s good to be able to make their life a little bit easier with the new pavilion. As a city we have committed to being a great place to grow up and grow old and access to great facilities is part of this commitment.
“We want Foulston Park is be a place where everyone can enjoy keeping fit and well – whatever their chosen activity!”
Mark Lovell, Chief Executive Officer at Argyle Community Trust added: “We are proud to have already supported the health and wellbeing of hundreds of people across the city since opening The Hub at Foulston Park just a couple of months ago.
“The gym is providing best in class equipment in an inclusive environment to support fitness journeys and the range of fitness classes means there’s something for everyone.
“The athletics track is an extremely important and popular part of this as we continue to support local athletes and position Foulston Park as a destination for creating opportunities and inspiring people of all ages and abilities through sport.”
This is another step in the wider Foulston Park development due to finish late summer 2026. The Hub opened its doors at the end of March and offers a range of health and wellbeing opportunities, including a state-of-the-art gym, physical activity programmes, mental health support, youth and veterans’ programmes and life skills training.
Much more than just a fitness centre, it has been designed as a friendly and welcoming space for all, whether people are looking to get fitter and healthier, connect with others or simply enjoy a safe and supportive environment. Once complete the park will also see:
- A new permanent home for Plymouth Argyle’s Academy and Plymouth Argyle Women
- Extensive community and sport facilities which will include:
- New grass and all-weather 3G pitches
- Play zone exclusively for public use
- Better public access, landscaped public areas and parking