Bristol PlayZones engagement 2024
The PlayZone programme is a new investment opportunity from the Football Foundation aimed at tackling inequalities in physical activity and improving access to facilities by funding community-led spaces.
A PlayZone is a fenced, outdoor mini pitch (30m x 20m) that provides a safe and inclusive space for the local community to use for a variety of sports and activities.
pdf PlayZone Enagement guide(1.47 MB)
Three sites in Bristol were shortlisted to have a PlayZone on site and local partner organisations were identified as being joint applicants:
- Barton Fields in partnership with Barton Hill Rugby Club and Fields in Trust
- Rose Green in partnership with Rose Green Sports and Leisure Limited, Bristol West Indian Phoenix Cricket Club and Bristol Central FC
- The Big Hideout on Teyfant Road in partnership with Learning Partnership West
Before proceeding with the full planning and funding application, we asked for people's views to understand what the community would want from a PlayZone in the area.
The Football Foundation would pay for 75% of the build costs with investment from the Premier League, The FA and the Government through Sport England. The remaining 25% would be provided by Bristol City Council using Section 106 funding. The local partner organisation would be responsible for running the site and paying for ongoing repair and maintenance costs which should be funded through income generated through pitch bookings.
We held engagement evenings at each site between 7 August and 11 September 2024.
What happens next
After taking community views into consideration, and carrying out technical feasibility work, if deemed a viable option then a full planning application will be submitted for each site.
We'll also be working with the local partner organisations to develop a business plan for each site, working with local groups to understand how they could use the site if developed. A funding application would then be submitted to the Football Foundation in December.
If planning and funding is approved, we expect project builds to commence in Summer 2025.