Eaton Park kicks off a new era

Work is underway to convert part of the Southwest Pavillion, a listed building, into a modern, FA-compliant changing space, allowing for male and female teams to use it simultaneously. This part of the pavilion was built between 1921 and 1933 and was designed to be used as a changing facility for those using the park for sporting activities.

The improvements are set to significantly increase women’s participation in football, an area currently underrepresented in the park, as well as enabling more teams, including higher league clubs, to use Eaton Park’s pitches. The changing facilities will also be made available for other sports and for events in the park.

Builders are already on-site to prepare the area for work, which is expected to be completed over the summer. There will be no access to the changing facilities for the duration of the work, but access to toilets will unaffected. The area has been fenced off to minimise disruption at the park.

This upgrade is funded by Norwich City Council, the Greater Norwich Growth Board through the Infrastructure Investment Fund, as well the the Premier League, The FA and Government via the Football Foundation. It has also been supported by the Friends of Eaton Park. The initiative aims to boost the health and wellbeing of residents by encouraging greater use of the park, particularly through improved sports facilities, enhanced infrastructure, and environmentally friendly technology integration.

Improvements include:

• Upgraded changing facilities – the current nine-room facility will be transformed into four modern changing rooms with individual entrances, shower cubicles, toilets, and privacy screens, making them fully FA-compliant while respecting the building’s Grade II-listed status. Two dedicated officials' changing rooms will also be created, ensuring male and female referees have private, compliant spaces.
• Sustainable technology – the refurbished changing block will incorporate solar panels, a heat pump, PIR sensor lighting, and energy-efficient LED fixtures, aligning with the city’s environmental commitments.
• Expanded cycle storage – Ten new cycle storage racks will be strategically placed throughout the park to encourage active travel, reduce car dependency, and contribute to Norwich’s climate responsive ambitions by lowering CO2 emissions.

With support from the Football Foundation and Norfolk FA, Norwich City Council will ensure these upgrades meet the highest standards while preserving the park’s historical significance.

Davina Howes, Norwich City Council’s executive director for Communities said: “Upgrading the changing rooms is a significant step in allowing more people to enjoy sport in one of our much-loved parks.

“This project will create a more inclusive, sustainable, and welcoming space for all residents, reinforcing Eaton Park as a hub for community engagement and physical activity.”

For more information or to report an issue please visit: www.norwich.gov.uk/eatonpark