February 2, 2026
Building Lasting Community Facilities at Potters Playing Fields
The Harrison Foundation continues to support the development of the Potters Playing Fields project in Antigua, a major community sports initiative designed to create safe, inclusive and sustainable facilities for local people. Recently, Sir David Harrison visited the site to meet with the project team and receive a progress update as construction activity continues.
During the visit, Sir David met with the architect, engineers, contractors and project management team to review progress on site and discuss the next phases of delivery. The visit followed the granting of formal Development Control Authority approval in December 2025, a significant milestone that allowed construction to begin after a detailed planning process lasting several months.
Following an investment of over EC$1m so far from the Harrison Foundation, work is now underway across several areas of the site. One of the first major elements completed is the excavation and preparation of a large cistern beneath the hard ball court area. Measuring 50 feet by 20 feet, the cistern will hold approximately 40,000 gallons of water and will play a key role in supporting irrigation and long-term sustainability of the playing surfaces.
Groundworks have also progressed on the main football and cricket field. Material is being redistributed across the site to achieve the required levels and grading, while a drainage trench is being installed to manage water flow across the field. This work is essential to ensuring the durability and usability of the pitch throughout the year.
Specialist expertise has been brought in to support the drainage and pitch design. A Cricket West Indies recommended engineer has been appointed to oversee the drainage system and pitch preparation, working closely with local public works teams and the project delivery group. The involvement of Cricket West Indies reflects the potential for the facility to support visiting teams in the future, creating opportunities for community use and longer-term revenue generation.
During discussions on site, the project team also reviewed upcoming construction phases, including work on courts for netball, basketball and volleyball, spectator stands and supporting infrastructure. These facilities are intended to provide a multi-sport community hub that can be used by people of all ages.
Sir David Harrison, who created the Harrison Foundation, said:
“It was encouraging to see the progress being made on the ground and to meet the team delivering this project. Potters Playing Fields is about more than building sports facilities. It is about creating a space that brings people together, supports healthy activity and provides opportunities for the community for many years to come. The care and expertise being applied to the project gives me real confidence in what will be achieved.”
Just a short walk from the Potters Playing Fields site is the Harrison Centre for Social Mobility, another key part of the Harrison Foundation’s long-term commitment and multi-million dollar investment in the local community.
The Centre provides education and employability support for young people aged 16 to 25, helping them build confidence, gain qualifications and prepare for employment. Since opening in 2023, the Harrison Centre Antigua has supported hundreds of young people through accredited courses, careers guidance and skills development programmes, working closely with local employers and community partners.