This week marks the first anniversary of The Hub at Foulston Park, the state-of-the-art sports, wellbeing and community hub in the heart of Devonport.  

An ambitious vision was conceived between key partners to transform the existing site, known as Brickfields, to create a space where the people of Devonport and beyond could come together. An accessible and inclusive community space, providing a hive of activity, learning, youth and community engagement, and fitness activities for generations to come. The first year has seen this vision become a reality.

A year of impact for local people

Since its doors opened in March 2025, The Hub has delivered some impressive numbers:

  • 12,000+ local people supported through various health and wellbeing initiatives
  • 18,000+ hours of community provision facilitated on-site
  • 800+ active members regularly using the facilities
  • 70% of those supported are from the top 30% most deprived areas nationally, with over half living within the PL1 postcode

The ribbon was officially cut on this day in 2025 in the presence of sponsors, partners, and local and national dignitaries. Project partners, sponsors and community representatives gathered at the new facility to celebrate the project’s completion and see firsthand the impressive transformation and the diverse new features on offer.

As one of Plymouth’s 11 dedicated Wellbeing Hubs, The Hub at Foulston Park offers 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. Standout successes include:

  • Inclusive sport and support – Projects like Argyle 4 Autism and Powerchair Football have ensured that sport and our facility is accessible to everyone.
  • Youth intervention – Premier League Kicks continues to engage young people at risk of anti-social behaviour
  • Community connection – Mum’s Stay and Play supports new mums, and Welcome Cafes and veteran sessions ensure The Hub is actively combatting isolation and loneliness
  • Rugby and football join forces – Opening the new multi-purpose, all-weather Community 3G Pitches ensures the community can stay active whatever the season

Mark Lovell, Argyle Community Trust Chief Executive Officer, added: “What a fantastic first year it has been here at The Hub at Foulston Park. From welcoming 350 guests to our opening ceremony, to reaching our first anniversary knowing we have helped over 12,000 local people access sport, health, and wellbeing services.

“There has been plenty of learning along the way, but what an exciting journey it has been. We have been able to introduce new community sessions supporting neurodivergent children, people experiencing recent bereavement, and families facing food insecurity, to name just a few.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to our staff, our partners, and most importantly, our community, and everyone who has been part of this journey so far for making our first year unforgettable. Here’s to many more years of sport, play, and connection.”

Cabinet Member for Customer Experience, Sport, Leisure & HR, and OD Councillor Kate Taylor added: “It’s incredible to see what’s been achieved in just one year – over 12,000 people supported to live healthier, happier lives through Foulston Park.

“What’s really struck me is just how far the impact has reached. Creating a facility like this in the heart of Devonport has gone beyond anything we could have imagined – it’s not just about sport, it’s about wellbeing, support, skills, and real pride in our community.

“As an Argyle fan who grew up in Devonport, it’s genuinely brilliant to see Foulston Park going from strength to strength, opening up opportunities and supporting people in some of our most deprived communities.

“I couldn’t be prouder of what’s been achieved here – and this is only the beginning.”

An exciting future at Foulston

The momentum is only growing. Work is progressing rapidly on the wider site, which will soon be home to Plymouth Argyle Academy and Plymouth Argyle Women.

New initiatives launching soon include ‘Play Off Grief’ – a partnership with Jeramiah’s Journey to support bereaved families, and Active Devonport, a free fitness programme for residents with long-term health conditions.

Additionally, building is underway for the development of a new changing block and multi-use prep zone will feature modern changing facilities and a café, with further space for community activations. Community sport provision will be further enhanced with improvements to the outdoor 60×40 pitch, and the introduction of a PlayZone in partnership with the football Foundation.

Developed and operated by Argyle Community Trust, The Hub represents the first phase of Plymouth Argyle’s multi-million-pound redevelopment of the former Brickfields Sports Centre and surrounding site. The ambitious project has been delivered through a partnership involving Plymouth Argyle, Argyle Community Trust, Plymouth City Council, Plymouth Albion RFC and Devonport Community Leisure Limited (DCLL).

For more information on The Hub and how you can get involved, visit https://foulstonpark.co.uk/the-hub/.