Newly improved changing facilities open in Armada Park, Torquay

Footballers and local sports clubs can now enjoy the newly improved changing pavilion at Armada Park in Torquay.

The facilities underwent extensive refurbishment works earlier this year, which included installing a new ventilation system, plumbing, showers and lockers.

The changing facilities have been made fully accessible for people with disabilities, with new accessible toilets and showers. The facilities were designed in accordance with Football Association requirements and recommendations.

Led by Torbay Council, the refurbishment project aimed to make the changing pavilion a safe and inclusive environment for local football clubs to grow and to encourage more female and youth players to practice the sport. The changing pavilion is primarily used by Upton Athletic Football Club but other football clubs are welcome to use the facilities by contacting Torbay Council.

The project has received £22,500 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and £25,000 through the Community Infrastructure Levy. It has also received £25,000 from the Premier League and Football Association through their Facilities Fund Small Grants Scheme which awards grants for the provision of capital items, or to refurbish existing facilities.

The changing pavilion is part of Torbay Council’s wider Playing Pitch Strategy which aims to encourage people to become more active by ensuring that there is a good supply of high-quality playing pitch facilities to meet the needs of the area’s residents and visitors.

Cllr Jackie Thomas, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture & Events and Corporate Services at Torbay Council, said: ‘‘Torbay Council is committed to providing high-quality sports facilities which everyone in the community can enjoy and benefit from.

‘‘It is fantastic to see the formerly outdated changing facilities transformed into a modern, clean and inclusive changing pavilion. Armada Park is a wonderful space, and this new changing pavilion will be used by local sports clubs and sports enthusiasts for many years to come.’’

Nick Garlick from Devon Football Association said: "Along with colleagues at the Football Foundation, it has been great to support Torbay Council with the development of the changing facilities at Armada Park. This has been in development for a long time and we are pleased that the project is now complete. It is exciting to know that this will help grow football on site and provide a refreshed home base for local clubs such as Upton Athletic FC, and their increasing junior section, and we look forward to seeing Armada Park thrive in years to come."

The facilities can be hired by the community by contacting Torbay Council at Torbay.move@torbay.gov.uk