Cabinet to consider recommendations for Jackey Bakers Recreation Ground

Thanet District Council’s Cabinet is set to consider recommendations to progress a major scheme that could transform Jackey Bakers Recreation Ground into a multi-sport community hub. 

The report, which will be discussed on 18 December 2025 set out a number of recommendations for approval including:

• The progression to phase 3 of the Football Foundation Hubs Programme for Jackey Bakers Recreation Ground which will produce an outline design for the site, at a cost of up to £333,000. 
• The acceptance of a grant of up to £200,000 from the Football Foundation to pay for 60% of the costs of undertaking phase 3.
• Funding of up to £133,000 to pay for 40% of the costs of undertaking phase 3.

If agreed the council would move into Phase 3 of the Football Foundation Hubs Programme, a key step in developing detailed designs for the site.

The move follows confirmation that Thanet has been identified as a priority area for major national sporting bodies, including Sport England and the Football Foundation. The Football Foundation’s Hubs Programme is specifically designed to create inclusive, multi-sport sites that cater to the needs of the whole community, going beyond just football facilities.

The project’s driving ambition is to create a welcoming facility that tackles inequalities by providing improved access and opportunity for four priority groups:

• Women and girls.
• Disabled people and people with long-term health conditions.
• Lower socio-economic groups.
• Ethnically diverse communities.

Councillor Steve Albon, Cabinet Member for Cleansing and Coastal Services expressed his commitment to the development: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Thanet, and I am delighted we have reached this point. This is a key priority for me.

“If Cabinet approves this proposal, it will allow us to start drawing up detailed plans that could deliver modern, accessible facilities for years to come. This project is about much more than just sport; it’s about investing in our community’s well-being and providing safe, inclusive spaces for those who need them most.”

Facilities could include new floodlit 3G pitches, a new community pavilion with changing rooms, a car park, and other secondary sports offers such as play areas and walking routes. 

A new temporary pavilion at Jackey Bakers in Ramsgate was officially opened on Thursday 13 November 2025. The council intends to engage with the public and other stakeholders on a permanent solution to providing changing and other key facilities at Jackey Bakers Recreation Ground. This will form an important part of the work in phase 3 of this project.

The report also recommends recruiting a dedicated Sports Facilities Project Manager on a fixed-term contract to oversee the complex development work.

Notes:

Phase 3 (Outline Design) of the Football Foundation Hubs Programme is equivalent to the RIBA Stage 1 and 2 of the design process.

The full capital project to construct a Hub site, if approved in Phase 4, would typically see the Football Foundation provide a capital grant of 60% of the total construction cost.