Portsmouth City Council (PCC), in collaboration with the Football Foundation, has successfully delivered the £8.1 million KGV Football Complex—a major investment in the future of grassroots sport and youth engagement in the city. Officially opened in October 2024, the complex replaces a previously vandalised changing pavilion with a state-of-the-art sports facility designed to reimagine how football and community activity is delivered in Portsmouth.

The project was funded by a consortium of partners, including PCC, the Football Foundation, and HM Government, with support through the Youth Investment Fund and Changing Places Fund. At its heart, the complex features new 3G football pitches, modern changing facilities, and a welcoming café, ensuring a significantly enhanced experience for players, coaches, and visitors.

As lead client, Portsmouth City Council’s Parks and Open Spaces team, supported by its experienced in-house Capital Projects team, brought together architects, landscape designers, M&E engineers, and Clerks of Works to deliver a facility that met the diverse requirements of all stakeholders. PCC played a pivotal role in managing a complex landholding, aligning the objectives of funders, and responding to an engaged local community to ensure that the facility would not only meet but exceed expectations.

Already, the site is transforming how sport is delivered in the north of the city. In its early months, the complex has seen over 70,000 visits, with usage peaking at 81% of capacity, reflecting a strong and growing demand. Beyond sport, it serves as a hub for youth engagement and community development, offering a positive, active space for young people in a previously underserved area.

The KGV Football Complex stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through collaborative vision, strategic leadership, and a deep commitment to community well-being.

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