WORK is due to begin on the first phase of improvements to the King George V Playing Fields in Exeter on Monday, August 17.

The first stage of the works includes the creation of the artificial grass pitch and two Play Zones, which will feature high-quality surfaces, designed to be used for a range of sports and activities such as basketball, cricket, football, netball, and tennis.

During this period these areas will be inaccessible and fenced off, Exeter City Council explained.

It adds that there will not be any disruption to the rest of the playing fields. The accessible play area and pathways will both remain open. It is anticipated that the work on the pitches will be completed by spring 2027.

Construction will take place during standard working hours, and any disruption will be kept to a minimum for those living nearby.

The project is being delivered by Exeter City Community Trust, which 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.

Phase one of the work includes two new Football Foundation PlayZones, a 3G pitch, improvements to the parking areas and refurbishment to the existing pavilion to include accessible changing rooms and community-use rooms. The project start follows a public consultation last year, which informed the design and direction of the plans.

The site is a priority within Exeter City Council’s Playing Pitch Strategy, which reviews current and future demand for formal sports facilities.

Working in partnership, ECCT and the council will deliver the improvements, with the fields to be leased to ECCT on a 50-year agreement. Work is commencing following approval of the lease by the council.

The fields are one of hundreds established across the UK following the death of King George V in 1936 to ‘promote and assist in the establishment of playing fields for the use and enjoyment of the people’. They are legally protected by the Fields in Trust charity, whose mission is to preserve and safeguard the land for public benefit.

As part of the scheme, 65 new trees will be planted in partnership with the council. These will form a community orchard, as well as providing screening and enhancement of the area.

The second phase of the project is due to include the provision of 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.

Email any questions or enquiries to [email protected]