Swindon’s newest sports hub reaches significant milestone

Plans for the Wichelstowe Community Sports Hub have been submitted to Swindon Borough Council’s Planning department after hundreds of local people fed back on the proposals during two consultation phases earlier this year.

The Wiltshire FA has been identified as the preferred operator of the new facility, which will be located between Middle and East Wichel and will include facilities for various sports as well as play provision.

It will be funded through Section 106 money, which is paid by the Wichelstowe developers to Swindon Borough Council to deliver local infrastructure improvements and community facilities. Grant funding will also be sought to expand the range of facilities on offer at the site.

The space has been earmarked for use by the whole community to encourage people to get active either by playing a competitive sport or by taking gentle exercise such as walking in the local area along Wichelstowe’s canals.

Feedback from the public identified football as a popular activity, but surveys and follow-up drop-in sessions also identified other uses, which is why a number of multi-use games areas and children’s play areas have formed part of the design, while the proposed pavilion will also host a café and flexible community rooms, as well as changing rooms.

Following the most recent engagement events, a space for pétanque has also been added to the provision and the detailed plans for the landscaping and play area have been developed further.

The feedback also demonstrated the number of people who use the paths around Wichelstowe to walk, run and cycle. It is hoped the site can be a base for both individuals and groups walking along the canal and through Wichelstowe’s green spaces.

Wroughton Parish Council has been working alongside the Borough Council to develop the plans and, subject to planning, it is hoped construction could start next year.

Councillor Kevin Small, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “I am really pleased to see the plans for the new sports hub at Wichelstowe moving forward as this will benefit those living in the immediate vicinity and people from further afield.

“The knowledge and expertise provided by the Wilts FA has been invaluable in getting us to this stage and I am looking forward to the organisation having a base in Swindon once again as it will be a great boost to local football in the Borough.

“I’d also like to thank everyone who provided feedback on the sports hub plans at the various consultation stages as well as Wroughton Parish Council, who are an incredibly supportive partner.

“If the plans are approved it will be fantastic to see the new facilities coming forward next year.”

Simon Russell, CEO of the Wiltshire FA, said: “This is an important milestone as we make progress with partners towards delivering an exceptional new facility for people in Swindon and beyond.

“We are pleased to play our part, and excited that we are getting closer to having a significant presence in the Borough to support the thousands of players and volunteers involved in football.”