£2.3 million investment secured to launch innovative Vale Park Community Campus
Port Vale Football Club, Port Vale Foundation, and Stoke-on-Trent City Council have secured £2.3 million in Government funding to transform Sproson Park and surrounding areas into a dynamic, multi-purpose Vale Park Community Campus.
The project marks a significant milestone in the club’s long-term community facilities strategy and commitment to local regeneration, health, education and community development.
Marking the club’s 150th year, this ambitious redevelopment aims to reclaim and revitalise the green space surrounding Vale Park Stadium, laying the foundation for a multi-use area for the local community to connect, creating a positive environment for the people of Burslem and Stoke-on-Trent.
The project is being led by STRI Group, a global design, engineering and management consultancy. Their role includes the full planning, design, and delivery of the site, working closely with the project’s governance group made up of representatives from the club, the foundation, and the city council.
The team will deliver a wide range of new and inclusive community facilities, including the redevelopment of two youth football pitches for boys and girls; a multi-use games area (MUGA) suitable for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), padel courts, walking trails, and improved CCTV, lighting and signage.
The plans also include the creation of a new community hub building that will be operated by Port Vale Foundation to deliver a range of their community activities for people of all ages and abilities, supporting wellbeing, education and connection.
A key part of the plan is the comprehensive ecological improvements and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) that will be put in place to ensure the project exceeds green standards to protect the environment.
Councillor Jane Ashworth, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council and cabinet member for economic development, culture and sport, said: “This is fantastic news for Port Vale and the surrounding area and another superb announcement during our city’s Centenary year.
“It is a transformational project that will bring so many benefits to the community in terms of health, leisure and potential employment opportunities.
“It also forms part of wider regeneration projects taking place in the north of the city, including multi-million-pound public realm work in Burslem and Tunstall town centres.”
“This is more than just a park upgrade—it’s a catalyst for positive change in the Burslem community,” said Carol Shanahan OBE, Port Vale F.C. Owner and Chair. “We are creating a place where people can be active, connect with others, and feel proud of their local area. The campus will provide a platform for long-term community activity, health support, and wellbeing opportunities across all ages and abilities, whilst obviously creating a better community connection to Port Vale FC”.
STRI’s Development Director James Podesta added; “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with the club, foundation and council to deliver this pivotal project which will have such a positive social and environmental impact.
This project is a fantastic demonstration of the far reaching benefits if we hope this will inspire younger generations to become part of the community and see for themselves the opportunities the campus can provide.
With surveys and masterplanning work in full flow, we’re looking forward to sharing updates with fans and the wider community as we progress.”
Planning, community consultation, and design works are underway, with further details on construction timelines and public engagement events to be shared in the coming months. There will be opportunities for additional local partners, businesses and providers to come on board with the exciting plans.
The bespoke design and build project will bring together STRI Group companies, STRI, The Environmental Protection Group and Carrick Construction, utilising the full service offering.