Council says funding has been secured for Moredon Sporting Hub

By Jessica Durston - 27 March 2023

Clubs & ActivitiesSport
  • Aerial image of the Moredon site

    Aerial image of the Moredon site

A new 15-hectare multi-sport, multi-generational sporting hub in Moredon is moving closer to reality after funding was secured, and work could start in the next couple of months.

  • The latest plans for the site

    The latest plans for the site

The new £6m facility, located just off Akers Way, will aim to create a modern and accessible facility for sport and physical activity that Swindon can be proud of.

The new sporting hub will offer sport and leisure for all ages and is aimed at those new to the sports available at the site, or those who may have stopped playing, but are keen to return to sport and physical activity - as well as those wishing to continue their activity in a better environment.

The council says the scheme will deliver a pavilion that will support a range of activities from early years and youth programmes with a café during the week through to light refreshments via a servery hatch on a Sunday morning. Enabling families to spectate and use café and welfare facilities is said to be key to the sports hub being used by people of all ages.

A new all-weather floodlit pitch will also aim to help young local players fulfil their potential within the game as well as providing an opportunity for more recreational football.

Alongside the artificial football pitch and pavilion, a new competition level cycling closed road circuit, a BMX pump track, learn-to-ride cycling area and cricket pitches will be included to ensure there is a wide range of activities for members of the community and visitors to enjoy.

The local croquet club is also looking to increase the number of lawns available to its members.

The sporting hub is funded by a consortium of four funders comprising: the Government’s Football Foundation and Sport England on behalf of the Places to Ride Programme (which is a programme delivered in partnership between the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, Sport England and British Cycling), the local parish council (Central North Swindon Parish Council) and Swindon Borough Council.

The project is at preferred bidder stage and contractors for the various parts of the scheme will be announced soon.

Moredon Sporting Hub will include:

  • Full size floodlight 3G pitch, fully enclosed with fencing, suitable for multi-team training and senior and junior matches.
  • A 1km regional standard cycling closed road circuit with a number of internal loops and cross over points – allows for three separate groups to use the track at one time
  • A learn-to-ride offer for younger riders.
  • Car park improvements allowing for 125 standard spaces, 11 near accessible spaces, two mini bus spaces and 56 overflow spaces. A coach drop-off will also be included.
  • Natural sports pitches including two football pitches and two cricket pitches.
  • New pavilion with enhanced changing areas, café and reception area.

The hub will be delivered by Swindon Borough Council and operated by North Swindon Parish Council.

Cllr Matty Courtliff, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Heritage, Leisure and Town Centre Experience, said: “This is a great project and one I’m really happy to see moving forward.

“It’s taken a lot of time and effort from Council colleagues and partner organisations to get the project to the stage where we’re ready to start on site, and I’d like to thank everyone for their hard work.

“The funding we’ve received will ensure that the Moredon area gets this facility that its local sports teams and community deserves.

“It’s an exciting project and I look forward to seeing work begin on site imminently.”

Cllr Kevin Small, Chair of Central Swindon North Parish Council, said: “This is an exciting project and Councillors look forward to seeing work begin in the coming months.

“The Parish Council will take on full day-to-day management of this sporting facility for the people of Central North Swindon. This investment has enabled not only improved football facilities to the area, but an exciting new dimension of cycling.

“A central pavilion will provide a hub to these activities along with improved changing facilities, part funded by the Parish Council.

“We look forward to taking full operational control of the site on completion.”

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