The project will see LST demolish an unused building and create a new pavilion for football players and spectators in the King George V playing fields. Designed with two, single-storey wings, the facility will comprise changing rooms, a café, kitchen, office space, showers and toilets.
Externally, LST will be responsible for landscaping works with new shrubs and tree planting forming part of the contract. Players will also benefit from new artificial grass pitches, adding to the existing grass pitches.
Targeting a BREEAM rating of 'Very Good', Portsmouth City Council has prioritised sustainability throughout the project. As part of this aim, solar panels will be installed on the roof areas as well as an air source heat pump.
Leon Gardner, Contracts Manager at LST Projects, said: “This is a collaborative project which has involved several partners all focused on developing youth and adult football in the city. Working closely with Portsmouth City Council, we have created an affordable, low maintenance building which will provide an attractive and welcoming facility for the local community.
“While constructing the new pavilion, we will aim to minimise disruption as much as possible. Some of the grass pitches will remain open during the works and we will provide toilets for teams and spectators.”
Councillor Steve Pitt, Portsmouth City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure & Economic Development, said: “This is a much-needed development for the north of the city and will enable more children and adults to participate in football, whatever the weather.”
Construction of the new pavilion is scheduled to be complete by November 2023.
Portsmouth City Council has also worked with the Football Foundation and Hampshire FA to bring forward the project.
