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.

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 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.

The project is being led by Sports Development Consultancy STRI, who have now begun work on-site with extensive surveys and environmental assessments. 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.

MAY 2026 UPDATE

Earlier this month, we were delighted to take part in the inaugural community forum for the Port Vale Community Campus. The session brought together local residents, Port Vale Foundation and club representatives, and a range of community stakeholders from across the city, including partners from the church and science in the city, alongside team STRI.

While the development is still in its early stages, the discussion focused on the long-term vision for the campus and the far-reaching benefits it will bring. Plans include improved sports pitches and padel courts, a community hub building, and wider enhancements to the park itself, including improvements to the landscape and biodiversity. All of this will be accessible and inclusive.

Those involved will now come together on a monthly basis to help shape the future plans, ensuring the facilities are well used, protected, and maintained for generations to come.

Preparatory works on two new natural‑turf youth pitches began on 13th April 2026 and are ahead of schedule, using spoil from the main training pitch to create high‑quality new facilities for local players. These pitches will be out of use for approximately 12 months while construction takes place, after which they will provide a significantly improved community asset.

Noise and lighting assessments, hub‑building and landscape design and wider community engagement are all moving forward, with the project still on track for a planning submission at the end of April. In the months ahead, we will continue outreach with local schools, colleges and residents, including exploring a social‑action initiative to connect the community directly with the development of their new facility.

Full construction of the whole site will take approximately 12 months, with handover expected in summer 2027.