We’re delivering new PlayZones in Portsmouth to create modern, high-quality outdoor spaces where people can be active and play sport locally.
Following a successful funding bid, PlayZones will be developed at:
- Stamshaw Park
- Baffins Pond
- Charles Dickens Activity Centre
These sites were identified through a citywide survey and consultation with residents, which helped us understand where investment was most needed and what people wanted from local sports facilities.
What are PlayZones?
PlayZones are small-sided, floodlit outdoor sports facilities designed for multiple activities, including football and other sports such as basketball.
They are part of a national programme funded by the Football Foundation, backed by the Premier League, The FA and the Government, focused on improving access to quality facilities and increasing participation in sport.
In Portsmouth, the PlayZones will replace or upgrade older ballcourts, creating modern, more versatile spaces for informal sport and physical activity.
What residents told us
We carried out a citywide consultation in 2024 to understand how local sports facilities are used and what improvements people would like to see.
From this feedback, we heard that residents want:
- Better quality courts and playing surfaces
- Facilities that support more than one sport
- Spaces that feel safe, welcoming and well maintained
- More opportunities for informal sport close to home
This feedback has directly shaped the design and locations of the new PlayZones.
What happens next
The project is moving forward following approval from the council’s Cabinet in February 2026.
Work will include:
- Designing the new PlayZones in partnership with the Football Foundation
- Applying for planning permission (submitted May 2026)
- Upgrading existing courts at the three sites
- Introducing facilities to support multiple sports and activities
- Developing a management approach to make sure the spaces are well used and maintained
We’ll continue to keep residents updated as the project progresses.
Project partners
The PlayZones project is being delivered in partnership with:
- Hampshire FA
- Pompey in the Community
- Energise Me
- Urbond
- BH Live
These partners are supporting the design, delivery and long-term use of the facilities.
About the funding
The project is funded through the Football Foundation, with support from the Premier League, The FA and the Government, alongside a contribution from the council.
This national programme focuses investment in communities where it can have the greatest impact on physical activity and access to sport.