Major improvements for Hull’s Bude Park under way – but football is off for a year

A major improvement scheme is under way at Hull’s Bude Park.

Work began this week which will see the creation of a new changing pavilion and improvements to the existing football pitches, including drainage. The new pavilion will include modern, comfortable changing rooms for mixed teams, as well as referee facilities, toilets, showers and a kitchen accessible from the playing field side for the serving of hot drinks and snacks.

This will transform the user experience at the popular venue, in Bude Road, east Hull, with the new kitchen providing an important revenue stream. To enable the installation of the new drainage system and football pitches, the existing turf will be treated with an application of herbicide, meaning the playing field will appear black for a short period.

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Bude Park’s car park will also be enlarged with improved access, including motorcycle bays, cycle stands and EV charging points, while beyond the car park, a secure compound for storing equipment such as goalposts and nets will be created. Hull City Council is working in partnership with Hull Esteem to deliver the project, with funding support from the Football Foundation.

Cllr Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for culture and leisure at the council, said: “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.

“This is an exciting project which will benefit the local community, as well as Kingswood United’s adults and junior teams, who call it home. I look forward to seeing this project progress and the final outcome.”

Gavin Barley, general manager of Hull Esteem, said: “The transformation of Bude Park Playing Fields will create more opportunities for local people to get involved in grassroots 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.”

Once pitch improvements have been made, work will begin on the new pavilion. A 12-month period of non-activity on the pitches is necessary to enable them to be established and ready to be used for football matches in 2025.

Hull-based Geo Houlton & Sons has been contracted to carry out the works. The firm’s managing director Andrew Kingston said: “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 playing fields are not just about recreation; they're about fostering well-being and promoting outdoor activity among our community members.

“We believe that by improving these spaces, we're nurturing a healthier and more vibrant community for generations to come.” Robert Sullivan, chief executive of the Football Foundation, said: “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.”