Goole’s ambitious Town Investment Plan focusses on town centre regeneration and economic growth. One exciting project to emerge is redevelopment of the Victoria Pleasure Ground (VPG), a town centre community sports and events venue with a football legacy of over 100 years.

Manged by Goole Town Council, and the home ground for Goole AFC, proposals have been outlined seeking £3 million to  replace the natural games pitch with a 3G artificial grass pitch to Football Association and Football Foundation standards along with a shock pad beneath the 3G carpet to allow contact rugby to be played, meeting Rugby Football League and Union Standards.

The proposed arrangements provide an alternative athletics offer, in line with England Athletics’ Strategy. It will support athletics development activities and offer opportunities for community running and fitness sessions. Proposals include an improved clubhouse, catering facilities, physiotherapy room, and much improved home and away team facilities.

A key objective of the Town Deal vision is to improve leisure and recreational facilities, giving residents and visitors more reasons to be in the town centre to increase footfall and in turn, help boost the local economy and drive more investment.

Goole Town Deal made early funding available to support new floodlights and small-scale improvements. The main project requires a full business case to establish the finer details that builds on the feasibility work already taken place to secure the long-term financial viability of the VPG. The business case will be developed before June 2022 and include engaging with wider stakeholders, user groups and residents to ensure the best possible project can be achieved.