Plans move forward for three new sports courts in Portsmouth
New facilities are on the way
Plans have been submitted for three new ball courts in Baffins, Stamshaw and Charles Dickens.
The proposals follow Portsmouth City Council’s decision in February to press ahead with the courts, known as PlayZones.
A PlayZone is a 20m by 30m floodlit multi-use games area (MUGA), with markings and facilities for football as well as sports including netball, basketball and cricket, all free of charge.
The scheme aims to make sport more accessible to communities most in need, while increasing participation among underrepresented groups.
If approved, the MUGAs would be installed at Baffins Pond Park, the Charles Dickens Centre and Stamshaw Park.
The council submitted five bids for the facilities in 2024, with three applications proving successful.
Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council said: “This is a significant investment in our community sports facilities, using funding from the Football Foundation to help us transform older ballcourts into modern, high-quality PlayZones. These new spaces will support a range of sports, including football and basketball, reflecting what local people told us they wanted.
"By improving the quality of facilities in our parks and neighbourhoods, we’re creating better opportunities for residents of all ages to be active. It’s an important step in supporting healthier lifestyles and making our public spaces more accessible for our communities.”
The Football Foundation, a leading charity which invests in grassroots football across England, will fund three quarters of the project, with Portsmouth City Council covering the remaining costs.
In a letter to the council, Dean Potter, Football Foundation director of grant management, said: “These PlayZones will bring substantial benefits to the local community, not just in promoting physical health and wellbeing, but also in fostering inclusion, reducing anti-social behaviour, and providing positive opportunities for its community.
“The proposed PlayZones at Stamshaw Park, Charles Dickens Centre and Baffins Pond represent a major opportunity for Portsmouth. It will allow local clubs, schools, and residents to access high-quality, year-round facilities and support the growing demand for safe, sustainable spaces to play.
“This development will have a meaningful social impact, encouraging participation for all ages and abilities, including underrepresented groups such as women and girls.”
All three applications would involve refurbishing existing MUGA surfaces, alongside the installation of three and four-metre-high ball-stop fencing, smart gate access and floodlights.
The facilities would be open daily from 9am until 10pm.
Residents can view the applications for the Playzones on Baffins, Stamshaw and Charles Dickens on the council’s planning portal.