A significant milestone has been hit in Port Vale’s plans to offer more community facilities after securing £2.3 million in Government funding.
An ambitious redevelopment project will see the green space surrounding the Vale Park stadium, in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, reclaimed and revitalised.
Work on a range of new and inclusive community facilities will include the redevelopment of two youth football pitches; a multi-use games area (MUGA) suitable for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), padel courts, walking trails, and improved CCTV, lighting and signage.
The plans also include the creation of a new community hub building that will be operated by Port Vale Foundation to deliver a range of their community activities for people of all ages and abilities, supporting wellbeing, education and connection.
Planning, community consultation, and design works are underway, with further details on construction timelines and public engagement events to be shared in the coming months.
Port Vale Football Club and Port Vale Foundation have teamed up with Stoke-on-Trent City Council to develop the multi-purpose community campus at Sproson Park.
Carol Shanahan OBE, Port Vale FC owner and chair, said: “This is more than just a park upgrade—it’s a catalyst for positive change in the Burslem community.
“We are creating a place where people can be active, connect with others, and feel proud of their local area.
“The campus will provide a platform for long-term community activity, health support, and wellbeing opportunities across all ages and abilities, whilst obviously creating a better community connection to Port Vale FC.”
Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of the city council and cabinet member for economic development, culture and sport, said: “This is fantastic news for Port Vale and the surrounding area and another superb announcement during our city’s Centenary year.
“It is a transformational project that will bring so many benefits to the community in terms of health, leisure and potential employment opportunities.
“It also forms part of wider regeneration projects taking place in the north of the city, including multi-million-pound public realm work in Burslem and Tunstall town centres.”
The project is being led by sports development consultancy STRI, who have now begun work on-site with extensive surveys and environmental assessments.
A key part of the scheme is the comprehensive ecological improvements and sustainable drainage systems that will be put in place to ensure the project exceeds green standards to protect the environment.
As long as they are not taking away the green land and surrounding trees ?
We have enough building in Burslem , most of which are empty, we as a community have our streets impacted by football fans every time there is a football match , it’s bad enough the horrible fence that has already been erected taking away valuable trees and bushes that our wildlife use, the open fields and trees provide natural playing grounds for our children and elderly dog walkers. Councils have done enough damage building retail parks and taking away small shops out of small towns , we all don’t want commercial building that there is no need for , there is a suitable big community park already right across the road from the football ground .
Where is the right for the community to vote on what happens to common ground .