The KGV Football Complex project in Cosham, led by Portsmouth City Council, won TWO awards at the prestigious South East Centre for the Built Environment (SECBE) Awards 2025 - the Client of the Year award and the Integration and Collaborative Working award.

These awards recognise the outstanding collaboration and integration that underpinned the successful delivery of the £8.1 million KGV Football Complex. Delivered by Portsmouth City Council thanks to funding from the Premier League, The FA and Government's Football Foundation, the project transformed the area into a state-of-the-art football and youth facility in the north of Portsmouth.

These awards recognise the strong teamwork behind the creation of the £8.1 million KGV Football Complex. Portsmouth City Council and the Football Foundation worked together to create a modern football and youth centre, replacing an outdated, vandalised pavilion with no all-weather pitches.

Funded by Portsmouth City Council, the UK Government (including the Youth Investment Fund and Changing Places Fund), and the Football Foundation, the project exemplifies how early engagement, a shared vision, and integrated delivery can overcome complex challenges and deliver exceptional outcomes.

From the outset, Portsmouth City Council brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including funders, community groups, and technical experts, to co-create a facility that meets the strategic needs of the city. The project was supported by the council’s in-house teams, including parks and open spaces officers, procurement experts, architects, landscape architects, construction inspectors, quantity surveyors, mechanical & electrical engineers, and buildings services professionals.

In addition, the appointment of Hampshire FA as the future operator of the complex took place at the same time as the procurement of LST Projects as the design and build contractor. This unique but critical collaborative arrangement ensured that the design was informed early on by operational insight.

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‍Key to the project’s success was:

Early and ongoing engagement with all partners and the local community to shape the scheme.

Integrated delivery across disciplines, ensuring design, construction, and operational needs were aligned.

Effective risk management and resolution of complex land ownership issues through collaborative decision-making.

Fair and transparent supply chain practices, including prompt payments and clear communication across all tiers.

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‍Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council said:
"These awards are a powerful endorsement of what can be achieved when we work together. The KGV Football Complex is a shining example of collaboration, bringing together partners, professionals, and the community to create something truly special for Portsmouth."

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‍Cllr Lee Hunt, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure and Sport said:
"This demonstrates our commitment to providing excellent sports facilities across Portsmouth, which are accessible to all and support a wide range of activities. We are only part of the way through on our journey, with more exciting developments to come in the coming years which will provide a sustainable future for sport and leisure across the city.”

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‍Jimmy Marsh, Senior Quantity Surveyor from LST Projects said:
"It was a real pleasure and privilege for the LST team to work collaboratively with PCC and the FA throughout the entire build process. Re-purposing the derelict pavilion and surrounding areas into an excellent sporting and amenity facility has been a source of huge pride and to be recognised by the SECBE with two awards is a fantastic achievement for all of us involved."‍

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‍Neil Casser, Hampshire FA CEO said:
"We are delighted that King George V Football Complex was recognised as a winner at the SECBE Construction Industry Excellence Awards in the Integration and Collaborative Working category. It is a fitting tribute to the team effort that made the project possible. King George V Football Complex is a fantastic hub site and will be enjoyed by many generations in the city and surrounding areas for years to come. We also congratulate Portsmouth City Council for also scooping the 'Client of the Year' award making it a double success."

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Since opening in October 2024 under the stewardship of Hampshire FA, the KGV Football Complex has welcomed over 70,000 visits, with peak usage reaching 81% capacity. It is already transforming grassroots sport and youth engagement in the city, providing a vibrant, inclusive space for positive activity.

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