Consultation launched on a new a playing field in Fulford

A consultation has been launched on ambitious plans to deliver new outdoor sports space and facilities in Fulford. The consultation is being led by City of York Council in partnership with Fulford Parish Council and Fulford Community Sports Clubs.

The project will see the community facilities improved and transformed on the School Lane playing field in Fulford. With preliminary surveys completed, local residents are now being asked for their views on the potential designs of the new field, with three options being put forward for consultation. This includes proposals, which could see a new full size pitch, tennis courts and a community garden created.

Approximately £500k will be invested in the area, with costs of all works covered by contributions from the S106 recreational payment from Germany Beck development, grant funding from Sport England and grant funding from the Football Foundation.

It is envisaged that following design completion and planning approval, the works would start in Summer 2023 and be completed by Summer 2024.

The proposals can be viewed and feedback submitted at https://www.york.gov.uk/FulfordRecreationalDevelopmentProposal

Residents are also invited to attend a public consultation drop in event with Cllr Aspden, council officers and community partners between 11am and 3pm on Sunday 17th July at Fulford Social Hall, School Lane, Fulford, YO10 4LS.

Cllr Keith Aspden, Ward Councillor for Fulford and Heslington, said:

"Having worked to develop these improvements, it’s great to see local groups, the city council and parish council come together to deliver the next stage of the ambitious project to transform the School Lane playing field.

“All of the proposals put forward would see exciting new facilities created for the benefit of the local community and Fulford’s sports clubs. I would urge residents to take part in the consultation, visit the drop in event and have their say on these important proposals.”

Cllr Juliet Kropowska, Chair of the Fulford Parish Council, added:

“The Parish Council welcomes the development of the School Lane field area. The inclusion of wilder areas, tree planting, the potential for a community garden and improved pathways will improve this open space for all residents of Fulford, not just those participating in formal sports. This consultation will contribute to the final design choices, so I hope as many people as possible make their voices heard.”

Graham Souter, Fulford FC Secretary & Fulford Community Sports Club Secretary, commented:

“This project has been a long held ambition of the Fulford Football Club, so I’m delighted to see the plans move closer to becoming a reality for the benefit of not only Fulford FC but all the local sports clubs and the local community.

“Fulford FC is one of the biggest clubs affiliated to the East Riding County FA, with a playing membership of close to 400. After 20 long years of working on this project, it is great that the local sports clubs will be rewarded with the standard of pitches and facilities they deserve.

“We would like to thank Councillor Keith Aspden for his efforts in bringing all the groups involved in the project together, and “Football Foundation” for their support in funding the facilities.”

Veronique Knighton, project manager at Fulford Tennis Club, said:

"This project is a fantastic opportunity for sport development in Fulford and we are very excited to be involved with it. With our Community Tennis Club facilities now reaching capacity, extra tennis courts funded by S106 mean that we will be able to meet the growing demand whilst keeping our membership packages affordable for all - currently amongst the cheapest in York!

“This is great news for all tennis enthusiasts in Fulford and we hope the Fulford community will support this with their vote!  More information can be found on our website https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/fulfordtennisclub.”