A community meeting space and areas for all ages to get active are part of Port Vale FC's plans to revamp land next to its stadium.

New floodlit padel courts, a "playzone" for games such as football and netball and improvements to existing pitches for youth teams are also on the cards as part of the Vale Park Community Campus proposals.

Port Vale FC, Port Vale Foundation and Stoke-on-Trent City Council have secured £2.3m funding from the Government to transform Burslem's Sproson Park and surrounding areas.

On Tuesday (9 December), plans went on public display at the nearby Dimensions Leisure Centre and visitors were invited to have their say.

Sessions have also been held with the club's community groups, such as the Golden Valiants for over 55s. But a planned event at the Port Vale fan zone ahead of Tuesday's League One home clash with Bradford City did not go ahead due to the match being postponed.

The area is already a popular dog walking spot, and owners will be able to continue exercising their pets there.

A hardstanding sports court is set to be repurposed to provide meeting space, as well as an area for parents to enjoy a hot drink while their children use the nearby play area.

Hamish Gledhill, planning consultant at STR1 Group, which is working with the club to develop the proposals, said: "People from the community are very keen the park remains open and accessible and have asked if it is going to be closed off.

"It is going to be fully accessible and it will create a meeting space as well as trying to encourage people to be more active in the community.

"One of the key things is creating a vibrant area in the middle of the park – it's reclaiming the park for the local community and it helps with natural surveillance.

"We are aware there have been problems like trail bikes and we want to improve security in the middle of the park, we're hoping to introduce CCTV on the site.

"We're looking at improving footways around the site and putting surfacing down. There is a desire to use the park as a parkrun location

"There will be a single storey central hub building in a small hard surfaced area, created from reclaimed shipping containers. We're trying to be sustainable and use recycled materials.

"It will be available for use by community groups and we're hopefully looking at police community officers in there. There will be a kitchen area that serves tea and coffee and there is a playground next to it."

Following the information events, a planning application is due to be submitted to Stoke-on-Trent City Council in early 2026.

If the plans are approved, work could begin on the site later in the year.

Speaking in the summer, Port Vale FC owner and chair Carol Shanahan said: "This is more than just a park upgrade—it's a catalyst for positive change in the Burslem community.

"We are creating a place where people can be active, connect with others, and feel proud of their local area.

"The campus will provide a platform for long-term community activity, health support, and wellbeing opportunities across all ages and abilities, whilst obviously creating a better community connection to Port Vale FC."