Bude Park is set to undergo a significant transformation with major improvements to its football facilities. These upgrades, which commenced this week, aim to enhance the park’s infrastructure and provide a better experience for its users.
The project will include the construction of a new changing pavilion and extensive improvements to the existing football pitches, including the installation of a new drainage system.
New Changing Pavilion
One of the key components of the improvement works is the creation of a new changing pavilion. This modern facility will feature comfortable changing rooms designed to accommodate mixed teams, as well as amenities for referees.
Additionally, the pavilion will include toilets, showers, and a kitchen that will be accessible from the playing field side, enabling the serving of hot drinks and snacks. This new kitchen is expected to provide a valuable revenue stream, enhancing the overall sustainability of the park’s facilities.
Enhancements to Football Pitches
To address the flooding issues that have affected the usability of Bude Park’s football pitches, a new drainage system will be installed. This will involve treating the existing grass with herbicide, causing the playing field to appear black temporarily. Once the drainage system is in place, the football pitches will be redeveloped to ensure they can be used more frequently and reliably.
Expanded Car Park and Equipment Storage
Improvements are also planned for Bude Park’s car park. The expansion will include better access, motorcycle bays, cycle stands, and EV charging points. Beyond the car park, a secure compound will be created for storing equipment such as goalposts and nets, ensuring that these items are safely and conveniently stored when not in use.
Collaborative Effort
The improvement project is a collaborative effort between Hull City Council and Hull Esteem, with funding support from the Football Foundation.
Cllr Rob Pritchard, the council’s portfolio holder for culture and leisure, highlighted the importance of this investment:
“Bude Park is a popular facility, but one which is liable to flooding, so this investment into improved drainage will ensure pitches can be utilised more. The council has strived hard, together with Hull Esteem and with grateful support from Football Foundation, to ensure the playing fields’ usability and long-term future.”
Gavin Barley, general manager of Hull Esteem, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “The transformation of Bude Park Playing Fields will create more opportunities for local people to get involved in grass roots sports and provide a vital outdoor space for the local community and many local sports teams. We’re delighted to be working alongside the council and Geo. Houlton & Sons to deliver the project over the coming year.”
Timeline and Contractor
The project will be carried out by Hull-based contractor Geo. Houlton & Sons. Andrew Kingston, managing director from Houlton, emphasized the company’s commitment to the community:
“Houlton is immensely proud to serve as the main contractor for the development of Bude Playing Fields working with Esteem on behalf of Hull City Council. As a local contractor deeply rooted in the community, we take great pride in our role and we are committed to delivering a scheme that reflects and enhances the spirit of our locality.”
The initial phase of pitch improvements will be followed by the construction of the new pavilion. A 12-month period of non-activity on the pitches will be necessary to allow them to become fully established and ready for football matches by 2025.
Supporting Quotes
Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, commented on the broader impact of the project:
“The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, The FA and Government – to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England by delivering projects like this across the country. Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health, and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities.”
A significant investment
The improvement works at Bude Park represent a significant investment in local sports infrastructure, promising to enhance the user experience and support the community’s well-being. With modern facilities, improved drainage, and expanded amenities, Bude Park is set to become an attractive destination for local football teams and the wider community.
