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 £2 million 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 £4.09 million cost of the scheme.

Cllr Wood said: “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.

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.