Major milestone reached in Devon town's regeneration

Construction is officially underway

Devonshire Homes has kicked off construction on a new 2,500 square-foot sports hub and community space in Ilfracombe.

Designed in collaboration with North Devon District Council and with guidance from Sports England to meet the needs of both local sports teams and the wider community, the building will be accessed through the Mariner's Haven development and serve as a sports hub and community space when it is completed by the end of March 2025.

The facilities will include modern changing rooms, toilets, shower facilities and a community hall with a kitchen area. In addition to the pavilion, Devonshire Homes is delivering a football pitch and a rugby pitch as part of their S106 Public Open Space requirements, which will be available for use by any local club or organisation.

Ilfracombe Town Youth Football Sections and Ilfracombe Rugby Football Club have both indicated their intentions to utilise the sports pitches, whilst continuing to operate from their existing grounds. A Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) is also being constructed which will offer free open use for informal sports and recreation.

The project is being developed in partnership with Homes England and North Devon District Council, who will own and manage the facility upon completion. Funding for the pavilion has been secured from the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, with Devonshire Homes serving as the main contractor.

Councillor David Clayton, leader of North Devon District Council said: “We are thrilled to see this development in Ilfracombe being delivered and for the housing infrastructure funding having been secured to enable the community building to be brought forwards.

“This has been possible through partnership working between North Devon District Council, Homes England and Devonshire Homes and we are delighted that this fantastic facility will be delivered in the near future to support local sports groups and benefit the wider community through its use”.

This pavilion is an additional community asset provided as part of Ilfracombe's expansion, separate from the contributions required from Devonshire Homes under the Section 106 agreement associated with the Mariner's Haven housing development.

Angus Cook, managing director of Devonshire Homes says; "The commencement of work on the new sports pavilion marks an exciting milestone for both our Mariner's Haven development and the wider Ilfracombe community. Thanks to our close partnership with North Devon District Council, and the vital government funding that has been secured through the Housing Infrastructure Fund, we are delighted that this facility will soon become a central hub for sports and community activities in the area."

Mariner’s Haven will ultimately deliver 347 new homes, 38 of which are affordable, on land off Old Barnstaple Road in Ilfracombe.

Rebekah Marr, Trainee Technical Manager at Devonshire Homes; Jozie Bannister, Planning Manager at Devonshire Homes; Jon Triggs, Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive of North Devon District Council; Matthew Brown, Lead Planning Officer at North Devon District Council.