Exeter’s King George V Playing Fields project is already starting to take shape just a month after work began on the transformation.
The team from Exeter City Community Trust (ECCT), who are leading the project, welcomed Exeter City Councillor Duncan Wood to the site off Topsham Road for a first-hand look at the progress being made on this significant community investment project.
The team updated Cllr Wood on how the first phase is developing. During the visit he met David Lee, Chair of the Project Steering Group, Julian Tagg, President of ECCT, Jamie Vittles, Chief Executive of ECCT and Justin Quick, Head of Operations and Resources at ECCT.
Exeter City Community Trust has secured almost £2million from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation towards the ambitious project. Exeter City Council is contributing £464,948 to the project from section 106 contributions – made by developers – as partner funding towards the estimated £4.09million cost of the scheme.
Cllr Wood, Lead Councillor for Leisure Services and Healthy Living, said: “It was so pleasing to see the progress of this fantastic development at King George V. This is a really great partnership project, in addition to agreeing the long term lease the £465,000 from the Council completed the £4 million funding package secured for the project by the Trust.
“Investing in local facilities and creating more opportunities for people to be active and healthy are important priorities for Exeter’s Labour led Council. The new facilities, including the all-weather 3G pitch, will be fantastic, and the Trust are really making the most of the space at this brilliant location.”
The first phase of works includes a full-size 3G pitch and two Football Foundation PlayZones which will feature high-quality surfaces, designed to be used for recreational sports and activities such as cricket, football, netball, rugby and pickleball.
The surfaces are due to be laid in the new year, with work on the pavilion - which will include the refurbishment of the existing changing rooms and the creation a wellbeing hub on the site - due to begin in the coming weeks.
David Lee said: “The project is progressing well and is currently on schedule. We were able to make the most of the good weather over the summer.
“Thanks to local residents and users of the park for their understanding and patience while we carry out these works. We have kept as much accessible as possible, including the public toilets, the paths used by walkers and the accessible play area. We continue to do our best to minimise impact on visitors and users of the fields.”
Julian Tagg said: “It was fantastic to be able to show Cllr Wood the progress already made at King George V Playing Fields. This will be a much-needed resource which will be here for many generations to come, and we're proud to be able to bring these improvements and create something which will benefit so many people.”
Future phases of the project are due to include Padel courts, an extension to the existing pavilion to incorporate a community café and social space, woodland trails and walkways, and further improvements to grass pitches.
For further information visit - PROJECT INFO | King George V Exe
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