Richard Luscombe Weekend of events mark launch of Plymouth’s exciting new community sports and Wellbeing Hub
The ribbon has officially been cut to mark the launch of Plymouth’s brand-new state-of-the-art sports, wellbeing and community hub – The Hub at Foulston Park.
A ceremony today kickstarted a weekend of community activities and previews ahead of the new facility fully opening its doors on Monday (March 17th 2025).
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).
The community will have its first chance to experience the new facilities during a special Open Weekend taking place Saturday and Sunday 15-16 March. Visitors are invited to tour the new facilities, take part in taster sessions and explore the wide range of health, fitness and wellbeing support aimed at all ages and backgrounds.
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 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.
Mark Lovell, Chief Executive Officer at Argyle Community Trust, added: “We are delighted to be celebrating the launch of The Hub and the fantastic teamwork of community, people and project partners which has made this a reality. The result is something incredibly special, designed to support all members of our community to lead happier healthier lives. It will be a safe place for everyone, from young people looking for somewhere to socialise, to families seeking affordable activities and older adults wanting to meet new friends and stay active. We look forward to seeing it come to life and the community making the most of everything it offers.”
Andrew Parkinson, Chief Executive Officer of Plymouth Argyle, said: “Today marks a hugely significant milestone for Foulston Park and reflects Plymouth Argyle’s ambitions as a sustainable football club, our commitment to the city and to creating accessible, inclusive facilities that serve the entire community. The Hub will provide opportunities not only for sporting excellence but also for social connection, health and wellbeing and community engagement. It is something of which we are incredibly proud.”
Councillor Sue Dann, Plymouth City Council Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Sport, Leisure and HR and OD, said: “The Hub is truly game changing, but is so much more than a sports venue. The Hub will be somewhere where everyone is welcome, a place for members of the community to visit and enjoy the excellent facilities that will be available to them. As a health and wellbeing hub, local people will be able to have access to support and encouragement to lead active healthy lives. This truly is an exciting day, I really look forward to seeing how The Hub is used in the future, there is so much on offer for people to enjoy.”
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 is available 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.
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 which is set to open in late summer 2026 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 Saturday/Sunday, 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.
