Belfast Council Opens Consultation on Playing Pitches and Outdoor Sports Strategy

Belfast City Council has opened a public consultation on its draft Playing Pitches and Outdoor Sport Facilities Strategy 2026-2036.

The ten-year plan looks at how outdoor sports facilities across Belfast should be improved, expanded and managed.

Proposals include new 3G soccer and GAA pitches, better access to partner facilities, improvements to existing pitches, multi-sport hubs and a new online booking system.

Residents, sports clubs, schools, governing bodies and community organisations can take part in the consultation until Tuesday 8 December 2026.

Read the draft strategy and consultation information

Take part in the public consultation

Belfast Playing Pitches Strategy Consultation Opens

Belfast City Council is asking residents and sporting organisations to help shape the future of outdoor sport in the city.

The council has opened consultation on its draft Playing Pitches and Outdoor Sport Facilities Strategy 2026-2036.

The consultation will remain open for eight weeks, closing on Tuesday 8 December 2026.

The strategy sets out how Belfast’s outdoor sports facilities could be developed and improved over the next ten years.

It aims to ensure facilities are accessible, sustainable and capable of meeting changing demand across the city.

What Is Proposed Under the Belfast Playing Pitches Strategy?

The draft strategy includes plans for both existing facilities and potential new developments.

Key priorities include:

• Identifying locations for new 3G soccer and GAA pitches
• Improving the quality of existing pitch infrastructure
• Increasing community access to facilities operated by partner organisations
• Establishing a £1 million Partner Facility Enhancement Fund
• Developing multi-sport hubs
• Improving accessibility across outdoor sports facilities
• Introducing a new online pitch booking system
• Creating more sustainable and better-managed outdoor sporting facilities

The council says its first phase of work, covering Years 1 to 4, will focus particularly on addressing demand for soccer and Gaelic games while continuing to support other outdoor sports.

Growing Demand for Outdoor Sports Facilities in Belfast

Demand for sports pitches and outdoor facilities has increased as Belfast’s population and levels of sporting participation have changed.

The council says the strategy is designed to create a longer-term approach to planning and investment.

It will cover facilities ranging from local playing fields and parks to school facilities and larger sporting hubs.

Partnerships with schools, sporting governing bodies, clubs and community organisations are also expected to play an important role.

Council Wants Residents and Sports Clubs to Have Their Say

Councillor Jenna Maghie, Chair of Belfast City Council’s People and Communities Committee, said:

“As Belfast continues to grow, so too must the spaces that enable people to play, compete, connect, and thrive.

“This draft strategy represents a renewed commitment to creating a city where outdoor sport is woven into everyday life, with a network of high-quality facilities which will benefit our residents, clubs and sporting organisations.”

She said strategic investment and partnership working could help create healthier communities while improving access to sporting facilities.

Councillor Maghie added:

“We now want to hear from residents, clubs, schools, governing bodies and community organisations to ensure the final strategy reflects the needs and aspirations of those who use these facilities now, and those who will use them in the future.”

How to Take Part in the Belfast Playing Pitches Consultation

Residents, sports clubs, schools, governing bodies and community organisations can take part.

The consultation closes on:

Tuesday 8 December 2026

You can read the draft Playing Pitches and Outdoor Sport Facilities Strategy 2026-2036 and supporting documents through Belfast City Council:

View the Belfast Playing Pitches Strategy

You can also complete the online consultation survey through Your Say Belfast:

Complete the Playing Pitches consultation survey

Anyone with an interest in outdoor sport in Belfast is encouraged to review the proposals and provide feedback before the deadline.

Have Your Say Before 8 December

The final strategy will help guide how Belfast City Council plans, manages and invests in outdoor sporting facilities over the next decade.

Whether you are a regular player, parent, coach, sports club member or simply use local parks and recreational facilities, the consultation provides an opportunity to influence those plans.

Have your say before Tuesday 8 December 2026.