State-of-the-art sports facility will be built in Swindon
A brand new £3.6m state-of-the-art sports hub is coming to Swindon after councillors gave it the big thumbs up.
Published: Thursday, 15th November 2018
Swindon Borough Council’s Planning Committee last night approved plans to build the multi-use sports facility on land at Moredon Recreation Ground, off Akers Way.
The development will include a new pavilion building to provide modern changing facilities, a closed circuit cycle track, a BMX ‘pump’ track, a full sized 3G all-weather pitch, upgrades made to the existing grass football and cricket pitches, and more parking spaces.
The 15-hectare site is owned by the Council and currently accommodates four grass football pitches, two cricket wickets, croquet pitches and a former nine-hole pitch and putt course.
The development will completely transform the current facility, making it a top destination for first class sports provision.
Councillor Keith Williams, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate and Customer Services, said: “This is fantastic news. I am extremely excited to be able to say that this brilliant facility is coming to Swindon.
“Promoting healthy lifestyles and improving the town’s leisure offerings are major priorities for this Council and this sports hub is a big step in the right direction. It will make a huge difference to the quality of life of our residents and, as a Council, that’s a big win for us.”
The improved facilities are the result of close collaboration between the Council, Sport England, British Cycling and the Football Foundation.
Part of the land will be made available for new houses to be built, which will help finance the sports hub alongside funding from Sport England, British Cycling and the Football Foundation – a bid for which will be submitted next year.
The development has received cross-party support.
Councillor Jim Grant, Leader of the Labour Group in Swindon, said: "We are very enthusiastic about this development. It will bring fantastic sporting facilities to the area while maintaining the open green space that is so desperately needed in Moredon. We look forward to the grand opening in the near future."