Plymouth’s New Community Hub Set to Open in March
Foulston Park Hub Key Takeaways:
- Community-Centred Development – The Hub at Foulston Park is designed to be more than a fitness centre, offering a range of wellbeing services, youth engagement, and veteran support to benefit the wider Plymouth community.
- Collaborative Investment – Developed by Argyle Community Trust in partnership with Plymouth Argyle, Plymouth City Council, and other local organisations, the Hub is part of a broader effort to enhance sports and social facilities in the city.
- Grand Opening in March – The Hub will officially open on 17 March 2025, with an Open Weekend on 15-16 March allowing residents to explore the facilities, participate in activities, and learn about its programmes.
UPDATE 20/3
Plymouth’s brand new state-of-the-art sports, wellbeing and community hub – The Hub at Foulston Park – has been officially opened.
Photo: Argyle Community Trust
A new state-of-the-art community sports and wellbeing hub in Plymouth is set to open its doors in March, promising to transform health, fitness, and social engagement in Devonport and beyond.
The Hub at Foulston Park, a key element of Plymouth Argyle’s redevelopment of the former Brickfields Sports Centre, will officially open on Monday, 17 March. The launch follows an Open Weekend on 15-16 March, where visitors will have the chance to explore the facilities and take part in activities.
Developed by Argyle Community Trust in collaboration with Plymouth Argyle, Plymouth City Council, Plymouth Albion RFC, and Devonport Community Leisure Limited, the Hub aims to offer much more than traditional fitness amenities. As one of Plymouth’s nine Wellbeing Hubs, it will provide a wide range of services, from physical activity programmes to mental health support, youth engagement, and veteran services.
Andrew Parkinson, Chief Executive of Plymouth Argyle, described the project as a “significant milestone” in the club’s vision for inclusivity and community engagement.
“This project is not just about creating elite sporting opportunities but ensuring people of all ages and backgrounds have access to a friendly, welcoming space as well as affordable, high-quality facilities and services supporting all aspects of health and wellbeing.”
Facilities at the Hub include a state-of-the-art gym, a dedicated youth zone, an esports gaming area, and a soft play zone for children. There will also be a café and lounge, multi-use rooms for training and community activities, and a large hall for sports and events. Local organisations, including Livewell Southwest and PL1 Civvy Street, will provide on-site support, offering expertise in social isolation, veteran support, and mental health.
UPDATE 20/3
City College Plymouth, in partnership with Argyle Community Trust, has announced the launch of a new Esports Academy.
Located within The Hub at Foulston Park, the pioneering Babcock Esports Arena will provide cutting-edge gaming, education and career development opportunities in the rapidly growing video gaming and esports industry.
Gamers will have access to 20 high-spec gaming stations equipped with the latest technology following the official opening. The facility will offer a unique opportunity for young people to enjoy pay-and-play recreational gaming, gain qualifications and essential digital skills and even pursue pathways to international and Olympic-level esports competition.
The Academy will deliver BTEC Esports courses, alongside Level 1 and Level 2 Esports Leadership Awards, with plans to introduce Level 4 and Level 5 courses in the future.
Photo Argyle Community Trust
UPDATE FROM PL1 CIVVY STREET 17/3
As a dedicated charity focused on offering guidance and signposting to service leavers in need of support, PL1 Civvy Street will play a vital role at The Hub, connecting veterans with the right services to help them transition smoothly into civilian life.
Jamie Gibbs, founder of PL1 Civvy Street and a former Royal Marine, understands first-hand the challenges of reintegration after military service. His vision for the charity is to bridge the gap between service life and civilian success, ensuring that veterans can access the right support at the right time.
“We are incredibly excited to be part of this vibrant new hub” says Jamie. “PL1 Civvy Street is not just a place, it’s a community. At The Hub we will be providing a safe and welcoming space for veterans to come together, find guidance and take their next steps with confidence.”
Councillor Sue Dann, Plymouth City Council’s Cabinet Member for Sport and Leisure, said the Hub would be a major asset to the city.
“Projects like this, where everyone works together for the benefit of Plymouth and its residents, are key to ensuring a healthy and active city for generations to come.”
The Hub forms part of a wider redevelopment of Foulston Park, which will also see the creation of a permanent home for Plymouth Argyle’s Academy and Women’s team, alongside new all-weather pitches, athletics facilities, and improved public spaces.
Local residents will get their first chance to see the Hub in action at the Open Weekend, with guided tours, taster sessions, and special introductory offers available.
For more information, visit www.foulstonpark.co.uk/the-hub.
