Argyle and partners celebrate green light for the regeneration of Brickfields

Plans have been approved for the multi-million-pound transformation of Brickfields into a sporting centre of excellence and asset for the wider Plymouth community.

Plymouth City Council planners have given the green light to the scheme brought forward by a partnership between Plymouth Argyle, Argyle Community Trust, Plymouth City Council, Plymouth Albion RFC, and Devonport Community Leisure Limited (DCLL).

The milestone means legal agreements can be formalised, the remaining funding secured and the proposals to deliver an exciting range of community and sport facilities on the underused site in Devonport can now progress.

At the core of the proposals is a new permanent home for Plymouth Argyle’s youth wing, the Argyle Academy, and Plymouth Argyle Women. Extensive community and sport facilities will include new grass and all-weather 3G pitches, athletics facilities for the City of Plymouth Athletics Club and other users, play zones exclusively for public use, better public access, landscaped public areas, and parking. Brickfields is also currently home to the DHaN Food Bank which supports over 300 local families each week and will be retained.

The proposals were submitted in autumn 2023 and incorporated the feedback received in consultation with local residents and the wider community.

It is the second major approval for the Brickfields site after permission was granted in 2023 for the partnership to develop a new community hub to be operated by the Argyle Community Trust on the site of the former Brickfields sports centre. The vision to deliver much needed accessible and affordable community space which helps to connect people and offer a wide range of wellbeing services is now well under way. Construction of the Community Hub is making good progress, and due to be open in September 2024.

The latest approval deals with the wider Brickfields site and paves the way for this element of the regeneration to commence. Initial activities to begin preparing the site will commence as early as May 2024, with site activity increasing over the summer with a view of completing the new facilities by September 2025. Neighbours will be informed before any works commence.

Andrew Parkinson, Plymouth Argyle Chief Executive Officer said: “This is a huge milestone in the club’s history, and an important step in our journey to transform the site into a thriving space for local sports clubs and community wellbeing.

“The proposal will provide significant benefit for the Devonport community, providing members of the public with access, support, and equipment to reduce health inequalities and promote wellbeing. The prospect of a permanent home for our academy and women’s team is vital if we want to attract, retain and develop the region’s best talent and continue to grow.

“I’d like to thank our supporters and the local community for their support throughout this process. We’re looking forward to getting on and delivering these exciting plans and making a genuine difference.”

Mark Lovell, Chief Executive Officer at Argyle Community Trust said: "We are delighted these ambitious plans have been given the green light. This is a huge step towards realising our ambition of delivering a new community provision for the people of Devonport and beyond, to be proud of for generations.

“We are all extremely excited for the future and the many health and wellbeing benefits we will be providing local people. I want to thank all our key partners and everyone that has been instrumental in making this a reality."

Maurice West, Vice Chair of DCLL said: “This is fantastic news for Devonport and a fitting achievement as Devonport celebrates its 200th anniversary. The completed development will bring many benefits and opportunities for the community and will lead to improvements to the health and wellbeing of local residents. 

“This regeneration project has been made possible through close collaboration of the partners and I am confident that this excellent working relationship will ensure the success of the new Brickfields’ facilities for the benefit of all.” 

Max Venables, Managing Director of Plymouth Albion said: “This is an important step in the process of the Brickfields regeneration project which is continuing to come on nicely.

“The success of the planning application takes us a step closer to the delivery of the project, which will enable local people an ideal space to stay active, socialise and find exciting career paths.

"This latest news is a positive stride for the project, and for the community as a whole.”

To find out more about the Brickfields redevelopment, visit the dedicated microsite https://www.pafc.co.uk/brickfields-development where you can also sign up to the newsletter to stay up to date with the latest developments. If you have any questions, you can get in touch via email at brickfields@pafc.co.uk.