Chester FC Community Trust and Cheshire West & Chester Council are continuing to work in partnership to develop a new community sports hub for the city.

The charitable arm of Chester FC unveiled the shared vision for King George V Sports Hub in Blacon back in March 2019 with the project involving the creation of a new full size floodlit 3G pitch and clubhouse at playing fields on Blacon Avenue as well as improving the existing grass pitches and pavilion at the adjacent King George V playing fields.

The Community Trust is a registered charity and will operate the sports hub, which will provide much needed facilities for grassroots clubs and leagues, as well as delivering wider community benefits including improved health and wellbeing, increased participation in sport and new employment and education opportunities.

Despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Community Trust remains committed to delivering the project.

Jim Green, CEO of Chester FC Community Trust, said: “We believe the sports hub is a hugely exciting project for Chester and the partners have been working incredibly hard over the past six months to continue progressing the scheme during the pandemic.

“It has been challenging and we have had to adapt our plans in response, but the shared commitment to making this fantastic community sports facility a reality has been really encouraging and we hope there will be more positive news to share over the next few weeks.

“The council has been hugely supportive and recognises the many benefits the sports hub will bring to football in Chester and also to the community in Blacon.”

The plans for the sports hub are set to be discussed at a meeting of the council’s cabinet on Wednesday and a planning application is due to be submitted this month.

The council has confirmed an investment of £365,000 in the scheme as part of its £2 million commitment to improve football facilities across the borough with the Community Trust aiming to secure additional grant funding to enable work to commence in early 2021.

Chester FC Community Trust is continuing to fundraise for King George V Sports Hub and donations to the project can be made at www.justgiving.com/campaign/kgvsportshub.

If you would like to know more about the plans, have any questions or would like to be involved in the project, please contact Community Trust chief executive Jim Green on 01244 371376 or email jim.green@chesterfc.com.