ODS has announced the completion of the refurbishment of the former Penhill Bowls Club.
The project was awarded by Central Swindon North Parish Council, and the long-anticipated transformation breathes new life into a previously derelict site, providing a modern, multi-functional space for the Penhill community.
ODS describes itself as a ‘doing good’ business, creating social value through the services delivered directly to residents and through the commercial services provided to business institutions and other local authorities.
The bowls club site, which had remained vacant since the Covid pandemic, suffered significant neglect including vandalism and arson attempts, and ODS undertook an extensive renovation project beginning in September, addressing major structural damage and restoring the building to a safe, functional, and welcoming environment.
The revitalised Penhill Bowls Club will be open to the public as the Parkside Hub from 8 February, marking the beginning of a new chapter for this cherished local site.
Central Swindon North Parish Chair, Cllr Kevin Small, said: “This is fantastic for the young people of Penhill.
"I opened the original youth centre in 1994, which later closed, and this is the first new facility since then. Young people need spaces they can call their own, and we’ll continue to support them because they are our future.”
Mitchell Carter, Head of Construction at ODS, said: “Seeing this project come to fruition has been incredibly rewarding.
"The new community building reflects ODS’s commitment to revitalising spaces that matter and meeting the needs of local communities. We’re confident this facility will be a cornerstone for the Penhill area for years to come.”
Penhill councillor Paul Park, Penhill, praised the community effort behind the project, and added: “This building was forgotten until the parish council stepped in.
"Thanks to the hard work of officers and our partners, we secured funding and transformed it from its poor state into something amazing.
"I’m so proud of the dedicated groups in Penhill who make projects like this possible.”
Highlights of the refurbishment included:
- The existing roof covering was stripped and replaced with a new covering, including upgraded insulation for improved performance.
- Installation of new water, drainage, and electrical systems to meet modern standards.
- Interior restoration, creating a versatile space suitable for a range of community uses.
With this transformation, the Penhill Bowls Club has evolved into a hub for local residents, offering spaces for meetings, recreational activities, and social gatherings. It provides a vital resource for the Penhill area, fostering connectivity and community spirit.
Central Swindon North Parish hopes the facility will thrive as a hub for young people for years to come, and has thanked ODS for its work in making the Parkside Hub a reality.
ODS was borne out of the need to maintain Oxford City Council’s housing stock, parks and streets. It was formally established as a wholly-owned company in 2018, and is now made up of two companies that work together to deliver cost-effective public and commercial services.
ODS is now building homes, maintaining streets, parks and properties, and constructing highways and buildings. It provides managed services, repairs vehicles, conducts MOTs, collects recycling and waste, controls pests and removes trees.
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