Council and partners remain committed to delivering Moredon Sports Hub

Plans to build a competition level cycling closed road circuit, a BMX pump track, a full-sized all weather football pitch and a new pavilion with changing rooms and café at Moredon Recreation Ground were due to get underway last autumn but were delayed due to limited tender bids and rising construction costs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite this, Swindon Borough Council and Central Swindon North Parish Council have reaffirmed their commitment to delivering the multi-purpose, multi-generational sports facility and are working closely with project partners such as Sport England, British Cycling and the Football Foundation.

The new facilities on the 15-hectare Borough Council-owned site, off Akers Way, are also due to be delivered alongside the existing grass football pitches, croquet greens and cricket wickets.

The sports hub, which will be run by Central Swindon North Parish Council when complete, has received ongoing project support from British Cycling, Sport England and the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation.

A revised scheme within the existing available funding is currently being finalised and we hope to go out to tender in Spring.

If all goes well, we will aim to be on-site in the Summer with construction lasting approximately 12 months however some aspects of the site may be able to open sooner.

Councillor Robert Jandy, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Heritage, Leisure and Town Centre Experience, said: “We were all hoping construction on the new sports hub in Moredon would be well underway by now but our project, like so many others, has fallen victim to the pandemic.

“COVID-19 has had a major impact on the construction industry with an increase in the price of materials, while costs have risen generally across the board and this was reflected in the tenders we received

“But the great news is that all the partners involved in the project are determined to deliver a top-class regional sports facility which will not only benefit the local community, but will draw people in from far and wide.”

Councillor Steph Exell, Chair of Central Swindon North Parish Council said: “The introduction of a safe open road circuit cycle track will provide a fully inclusive facility, not just for dedicated cycling enthusiasts, but will introduce cycling in a safe environment to our local schools and residents.

“In addition, the Parish Council's commitment to grassroots football and supporting pavilion has remained resolute through the challenges presented in the design and build stage. 

“Our investment demonstrates a long-term commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of parish residents through locally delivered, affordable sporting activities.”