THE town council in Newquay aims to kick off its new devolution plans by taking over a football ground.

Newquay Town Council is keen to secure the freehold of Godolphin Football ground on Godolphin Way from Cornwall Council to offer “affordable playing space.”

Councillors discussed prioritising the devolution of key assets at the town council’s governance and resources committee meeting held on Monday, September 29.

Mayor Drew Creek said: “The town council hopes to take this site on to enable wider access for grass roots sports clubs to affordable playing space which has been under attack for years under austerity. It’s so important for the health of our young people that they have access to this.”

Godolphin Atlantic previously played at the football ground before disbanding in January 2023. The club, which was established as Godolphin Atlantic in 1980 at the Godolphin Arms pub in Newquay, cited financial issues and a lack of volunteers as the main reasons for its decision.

The town council also discussed its other devolution targets at the meeting, which includes the transfer of the St John Ambulance building in St Michael’s Road, Newquay Youth Centre in Whitegate Road and a section of Mount Wise Gardens.

The authority is looking at the idea of transforming the St John Ambulance building into a community centre and creating a children’s play area at Mount Wise Gardens.

The town council has long held an aspiration to complete the takeover of the youth centre and establish a social and skills development hub.

Cllr Creek said: “The town council stands ready and able to take on the youth centre to improve outcomes and opportunities for young people in Newquay.

“It is disappointing to me and my colleagues that it is taking this long. It is more important than ever we invest in our youth. We have been working on this now for several years. I had hoped under a new administration things might have moved on more quickly. I understand Cornwall Council is going to be updating us imminently.”