Multi-million pound sporting hub opens in Moredon

Moredon Sporting Hub, which was completed on time and within its £6.3m budget, will offer sport and leisure for all ages and is aimed at those new to the sports available at the site.

It will also cater for 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 top tier environment or improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

Highlights of the scheme include:

• a full-size floodlight 3G pitch, fully enclosed with metal fencing, suitable for multi-team training and senior and junior matches
• a 1.2km regional standard cycling closed road circuit with a number of internal loops and cross-over points – which allows for three separate groups to use the track at one time and will be used at competition level with British Cycling
• Mini roads training zone
• BMX pump track
• grass sports pitches including three football pitches and two cricket pitches
• a new pavilion with enhanced changing areas, a café and reception area
• an additional two croquet lawns (on top of the three already at the site)

Along with the various sporting facilities, the project has also enhanced the local landscape and wildlife by introducing 282 new trees and hedges.

The project was delivered by three main contractors. TigerTurf UK constructed the artificial sports pitch, Snape Contracting Services Ltd built the pavilion and Spadeoak delivered the cycle track and new car park.

While the scheme was delivered by Swindon Borough Council, the hub will be operated by Central Swindon North Parish Council.

You can find out more about the facilities and how to book on the parish council’s website. The parish is also hosting a Family Open Day on Sunday (14 July) where residents can try out the new facilities for free to get a taste of what is on offer.

Funding for the sporting hub came from Swindon Borough Council, Central Swindon North Parish Council, the Premier League, The FA, Government’s Football Foundation and Sport England.

Councillor Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Joint Working, said: “I’m thrilled to see this project completed, and for it to be completed on time and on budget. We’ve made a promise to build a better Swindon and we’re doing just that, right here in Moredon.

“It’s an amazing facility which is incredible to have in Swindon. Not only will it be something for local residents to enjoy, but we’re also very excited about the prospect of major organisations coming and using it.

“If you’re at all interested, I encourage you to come and visit on Sunday and see for yourself how special it is.”

Councillor Kevin Small, Chair of Central Swindon North Parish Council, said: “The Moredon Sporting Hub is a great investment for the people of North Swindon and particularly residents of Central Swindon North Parish.

“This new provision that brings national standard cycling facilities to our parish, along with an all-weather football facility, is a great example of the Parish Council and Swindon Borough Council working together to provide high quality sporting facilities for Swindon. The Parish is also moving its headquarters to the site.

“I would like to thank the various national sporting bodies for their contributions to the project and making this fantastic facility possible.”

Kevin Mills, Director of Place Development at Sport England, said: “Sport England is hugely proud to have played a significant role in making Moredon Sporting Hub a reality for the community of Swindon and beyond.

“From those looking to return to sport and physical activity, to individuals seeking to build a habit for the first time, the range of cycling facilities available ensures that Moredon truly is a multi-discipline cycling venue to be proud of.”

Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, The FA and Government – to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England by delivering projects like this across the country.

“Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities.

“The Foundation’s grant towards delivering this state-of-the-art new facility is fantastic news for the local community and will help give more people access to a great place to play.”