The ambitious scheme was approved following a public consultation last year

A multimillion-pound project to improve one of Exeter’s much-loved green spaces for current and future generations is under way. Exeter City Community Trust (ECCT) – the partner charity of Exeter City Football Club – has started work at the 40-acre King George V Playing Fields on Topsham Road.

The charity has secured almost £2m from the Premier League, the FA and government’s Football Foundation towards the ambitious project.

Phase one of the work includes two new Football Foundation PlayZones; a 3G pitch; and refurbishment to the existing pavilion to include accessible changing rooms and community-use rooms.

The project start follows a public consultation last year, which informed the design and direction of the plans.

The site is a priority within Exeter City Council’s Playing Pitch Strategy, which reviews current and future demand for formal sports facilities.

The fields will be leased to ECCT, which is working in partnership with the council, on a 50-year agreement.

Jamie Vittles, chief executive of ECCT, said: “We are delighted to bring this project to life and grateful to the many organisations, including Exeter City Council, Fields in Trust and the Football Foundation, who have worked closely with us to make it a reality.

“The incredible contribution from the Football Foundation brings a serious external investment into Exeter, helping us provide the best facilities for our whole community.”

The fields are one of hundreds established across the UK following the death of King George V in 1936 to “promote and assist in the establishment of playing fields for the use and enjoyment of the people”. They are legally protected by the Fields in Trust charity, whose mission is to preserve and safeguard the land for public benefit.

Mr Vittles added: “We are taking our role as custodians of this valuable green space very seriously. This is about creating an accessible and improved space, which meets the requirements of 21st century lifestyles, whilst preserving a wonderful natural resource and creating a community asset which will be here for many generations to come.”

The project has been through a full planning process with Exeter City Council, with approval granted in August last year.

As part of the scheme, 65 new trees will be planted to create a community orchard. Those behind the project say the new trees will offset the felling of two oaks, one of which they say has been “severely damaged” by squirrels stripping down the bark.

The second phase of the project is due to include the provision of Padel courts, an extension to the existing pavilion to incorporate a community café and social space, woodland trails and walkways, and further improvements to grass pitches.

Duncan Wood, lead councillor for leisure and healthy living, said: “The local community and everyone who uses King George V will benefit from the improvements that are being planned by ECCT, and this shows what can be done by working collaboratively with our parters in the city.”