Milestone moment for Plymouth’s exciting new community sports and Wellbeing Hub

The opening date has been announced for The Hub at Foulston Park – Plymouth’s new state-of-the-art sports, wellbeing and community hub set to transform health, fitness, youth and community facilities for Devonport and the wider city.

The Hub at Foulston Park will officially open its doors on Monday, 17 March 2025, following a special Open Weekend on 15-16 March, where the community will be invited to explore the brand-new facilities and take part in taster sessions.

Developed and operated by Argyle Community Trust, The Hub marks a landmark first phase of Plymouth Argyle’s multi-million-pound redevelopment of the former Brickfields Sports Centre and surrounding site. The Foulston Park project is a major investment into sporting excellence and community wellbeing, delivered through a partnership of Plymouth Argyle, Argyle Community Trust, Plymouth City Council, Plymouth Albion RFC and Devonport Community Leisure Limited (DCLL).

As part of Plymouth’s network of nine Wellbeing Hubs, The Hub at Foulston Park will offer a range of health and wellbeing opportunities, including a state-of-the-art gym, physical activity programmes, mental health support, youth and veterans’ programmes and life skills training.

Much more than just a fitness centre, it has been designed as a friendly and welcoming space for all, whether people are looking to get fitter and healthier, connect with others or simply enjoy a safe and supportive environment.

Andrew Parkinson, Chief Executive Officer of Plymouth Argyle, said: “The opening of The Hub is a significant milestone in the development of Foulston Park and embodies the club’s vision for inclusivity, excellence 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.”

Mark Lovell, Chief Executive Officer at Argyle Community Trust, added: “The Hub at Foulston Park is about making a real difference to people’s lives. It’s a space designed for everyone – whether you’re a young person looking for a safe place to socialise, a parent seeking affordable activities for your children or an older adult wanting to stay active and meet new friends. We’ve listened to the local community to create a facility that brings people together and provides the support they need to lead healthier, happier lives. The countdown is well and truly on now until opening and the whole team is hugely excited.”

Facilities at The Hub will include:

  • A brand-new gym, with state-of-the-art fitness equipment, a training zone, free weights area, cardio zone, resistance equipment and private personal trainer space. More information on how to sign up for gym memberships are expected to be released in the coming days at: https://foulstonpark.co.uk/the-hub/gym/
  • A dedicated youth zone, providing a safe and supportive space for young people.
  • An esports/gaming zone, with 20 gaming stations equipped with the latest gaming technology
  • A dedicated soft play zone, including a toddler area, a three-storey junior play frame and a mini penalty shootout area.
  • A welcoming café and lounge area, located next to the soft play zone.
  • Four multi-use rooms, suitable for meetings, training, workshops and group activities
  • A large activities hall, available for a range of uses and groups such as sports clubs, fitness classes and community events and activities.

A comprehensive public consultation was carried out locally in 2022 to ensure The Hub meets the needs of the community. As a result, a wide range of services will be delivered on-site by organisations including Argyle Community Trust, Poles Apart AP, Livewell Southwest and PL1 Civvy Street – whose friendly teams bring many years of experience working locally to support on issues like social isolation, veterans, mental and physical wellbeing.

Councillor Sue Dann, Plymouth City Council Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Sport, Leisure and HR and OD, said: “The Hub will be of such value to thousands of residents for years to come and its opening marks a big moment for the promotion of active, healthy lives in Plymouth.

“I’m so proud of what we have been able to achieve by working in partnership with the city’s varied and eclectic sports community and governing bodies. 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 opening of The Hub represents a significant step forward in Plymouth Argyle’s vision for Foulston Park, which is set to become a premier destination for elite sport and community engagement in Plymouth. The wider Foulston Park development will include:

  • A new permanent home for Plymouth Argyle’s Academy and Plymouth Argyle Women
  • Extensive community and sport facilities which will include:
    • New grass and all-weather 3G pitches
    • Athletics facilities for the City of Plymouth Athletics Club and other users
    • Play zone exclusively for public use
    • Better public access, landscaped public areas and parking

Join Us for the Open Weekend:

The community is invited to explore The Hub first-hand during a special Open Weekend on 15-16 March 2025, from 10.00am – 4.00pm, Saturday and 10.00am – 2.00pm Sunday.

Visitors can:

  • Tour the new facilities
  • Take part in taster sessions
  • Access the Café area
  • Learn more about The Hub’s health, fitness and wellbeing programmes
  • Access special introductory offers for the new gym

For more information, visit: www.foulstonpark.co.uk/the-hub.