Playing field improvements take a step forward in Fulford

A consultation on ambitious plans to deliver new outdoor sports space and facilities in Fulford has seen local residents choose their preferred option, with improvements worth over £1million set to be delivered by 2024.

The options supported by local residents during a consultation in July would see the area gain 4 new football pitches, improvements to the current Fulford Sports club house, a community garden, an outdoor gym area, improvements to the boundary footpaths and landscaping, a mini woodland area and a sensory garden.

The project is a partnership between City of York Council, Fulford Parish Council, Cllr Keith Aspden and Fulford Community Sports Clubs, which will see over £1million invested in the area, with the costs of all works covered by contributions from Germany Beck developer contributions, grant funding from Sport England and grant funding from the Football Foundation. This project follows initial partnership work which saw £34,000 investment in landscaping improvements in the area, with more trees and hedges, improved paths and new sitting areas near the pavilion delivered.

It is envisaged that following design completion, which is underway now following the consultation, planning approval will be sought in summer 2023, with the works starting in spring 2024.

The proposals that were put forward for consultation can be viewed at: https://www.york.gov.uk/FulfordRecreationalDevelopmentProposal

Cllr Keith Aspden, Councillor for Fulford and Heslington, commented:

"I’d like to thank all local residents and groups who engaged in the consultation and chose their preferred plans, which will now progress to final design and further consultation. The inclusion of new high quality sports pitches, woodland, the potential for a community garden and improved pathways will improve this open space for all residents of Fulford.

“It’s great to see local groups, the city council and parish council come together to deliver this ambitious project to transform the School Lane playing field. I look forward to seeing the plans now progressing, and would urge local residents to continue to be involved in the project thorough the next stages of consultation to make sure the new facilities benefit the local community.”