The Brickfields

Last updated

Brickfields Recreation Ground [1]
The Brickfields.jpg
The Brickfields
Location Devonport, Devon
Capacity 8,500 [2]
Opened1915
Tenants
Plymouth Albion (2003- )

Brickfields Recreation Ground is a sports stadium and multi-sport complex in Devonport, Plymouth, England. It is run by EveryoneActive on behalf of Plymouth City Council, and is the home ground of Rugby Union team Plymouth Albion of the National League 1, who moved there in 2003, after leaving their old ground at Beacon Park. The highest crowd was 6,871, for a match against local rivals Exeter Chiefs in October 2008. [3] [4]

Contents

Following Albion's relegation to the National League 1 in 2015, the North stand of the rugby stadium which read "PARFC" in white seats, was demolished, and attendances dropped down to roughly 1,000 per match. [5] although attendances have risen to almost 3,000 in occasional games. [6] Albion have two marquee tents next to the East and South stands that they hire out as a venue for receptions. [7]

Facilities

Since 1915, the site has been a recreation ground, primarily used for rugby union. The site is home to a gym complex, which is built into the back of the West stand. [8]

Other facilities on the site include: [9]

Redevelopment

In March 2023, it was announced that a consortium of Plymouth-based stakeholders would come together to fund a £21 million redevelopment of Brickfields to see the entire site redeveloped and provide a range of new community and sports facilities. This will include new grass and all-weather 3G pitches, new buildings to house classrooms, and improved parking facilities. The redeveloped facility will also provide a new permanent home for Plymouth Argyle F.C.'s senior women's team. The group overseeing the project includes Plymouth Argyle F.C., the Argyle Community Trust, Plymouth Albion RFC, Plymouth City Council and Devonport Community Leisure Ltd. [10]

On 21 November 2024, it was announced that Brickfields would be renamed as Foulston Park following the completion of the redevelopment. The new name is intended to honour the Plymouth-born architect John Foulston who played a prominent role in developing the city in the 1800s. [11]

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References

  1. "Home - Plymouth Albion RFC".
  2. "Cornish Pirates could move to Plymouth's Home Park". This is Plymouth. 11 October 2011. Archived from the original on 16 October 2011. Retrieved 15 October 2011.
  3. Club (12 October 2008). "Gareth Steenson steers Exeter home: Rugby Union". London: Telegraph. Retrieved 15 October 2011.
  4. "BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | Plymouth Albion 14-41 Exeter". BBC News. 12 October 2008. Retrieved 15 October 2011.
  5. "BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | Plymouth Albion 14-41 Exeter". The Plymouth Herald. 28 January 2017. Retrieved 7 February 2017.
  6. "Albion 54 - Taunton Titans 17". 24 April 2022.
  7. "The Brickfields are more than just a rugby venue". Plymouth Albion. Retrieved 7 February 2017.
  8. "Brickfields Sports Centre". Everyone Active. Retrieved 7 February 2017.
  9. "Brickfields Sports Centre and Recreation Ground". Plymouth City Council. Retrieved 7 February 2017.
  10. "Multi-million pound plans for Brickfields going on public display". The Plymouth Herald. 11 September 2023. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
  11. "Brickfields to be renamed Foulston Park". BBC Sport. 21 November 2024. Retrieved 22 November 2024.

50°22′15.91″N4°10′13.92″W / 50.3710861°N 4.1705333°W / 50.3710861; -4.1705333