Official start of work to build Derby Racecourse's new Football Hub
The ground has been broken in the project to get more people playing grassroots football
We now know a little more about the plans to build the multi-million-pound Football Hub project on Derby Racecourse - and a ground-breaking ceremony has marked the official start of its construction.
The ceremony - joined by representatives from Alliance Leisure, Derby City Council, the Football Foundation, main contractors Universal Group and other key stakeholders at the ceremony marking the £11.9 million regeneration of the site.
When it's built, the Racecourse will be completely regenerated, providing a state-of-the-art community building and three new full-size 3G football turf pitches (FTPs) - making the total of FTPs on the site eventually to four, with the refurbishment of the pitch that's already there.
A new changing pavilion will also be built, and will include a community café and meeting space, as well as increased parking spaces and improved entry and exit to the site.
The project has received joint funding from Derby City Council and the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation, with the goal to secure the long term future for the game of grassroots football.
Martin Davies representing Universal Civils & Build, said: "All of the team here at Universal Civils and Build are proud to be working alongside our project partners Alliance Leisure on this prestigious project.
"We have been invested in this exciting scheme for the past 2 years and cannot wait to break ground and be an integral part of the development of this facility that will serve the public of Derby for years to come."
Will Gardner, Alliance Leisure Business Development Manager, said: "Breaking ground events are a key milestone for us as all the hard work that has gone into the project finally starts to become a reality. We’re really looking forward to seeing the facilities take shape."
Martin Glenn, Chair of the Football Foundation, said: "The new facilities here at the Racecourse will not only provide a boost to sport in Derby, but also a space for the local community to come together, as well as opportunities for jobs during the construction and beyond.
"Thanks to the investment we receive from our funding partners, the Premier League, The FA and Government, the Football Foundation is working to deliver more Hubs like this across the country so that everyone can have access to great places to play."
Councillor Jerry Pearce, Cabinet Member for Derby City Council’s Streetpride, Public Spaces and Leisure, said: "We’re thrilled to see the kick-off of this project that will provide an excellent grassroots football facility, with improved access and an engaging community hub for the local residents to enjoy.
"We are delighted to be part of this partnership that has supported funding for this project and enabling the development of a facility that will support health and wellbeing for the city."
Construction work will start in April 2023, and is due to finish in early 2024.
Facilities will be managed on behalf of Derby City Council by the National Football Trust and operated by Leisure United.
You can find out more about the Football Hub here.