Construction underway on new sporting hub in Moredon

The new Moredon Sporting Hub, just off Akers Way, will offer sport and leisure for all ages and will be aimed at those new to the sports available at the site.

It will also be aimed at 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.

Highlights of the scheme include:

• Full size floodlight 3G pitch, fully enclosed with metal 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
• Grass sports pitches including three football pitches and two cricket pitches.
• New pavilion with enhanced changing areas, café and reception area.

The project will be delivered by four main contractors who will build the pavilion, cycle track and sports pitches. TigerTurf UK and McArdle Sport Tec are constructing the artificial sports pitch, Snape Contracting Services Ltd and Talus Construction are bringing forward the pavilion and Spadeoak is creating the cycle track and new car park.

While the project is being delivered by Swindon Borough Council, once open, the hub will be operated by North Central Swindon Parish Council.

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

The project is scheduled to be finished by next Spring.

Councillor Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Joint Working, said: “This is a fantastic project for Moredon and Swindon as a whole and I’m very excited work has now begun.

“We want this new location to be a place where communities can come together and people can learn new sports, or develop skills they already have.

“And not only will it be a big draw locally, but I hope to see this become a space where people travel to from across the country.”

Councillor Mick Lucas, Vice Chair of Central Swindon North Parish Council, said: “The Parish Council has since 2017 been committed to bringing top quality sports facilities to residents, I am delighted to be here six years on, witnessing the construction first hand. I am incredibly reassured that great progress is being made on schedule.

“The Parish Council are very much looking forward to doors opening next Spring. If you’re interested in using any of the facilities, please do get in touch with the Parish Council at moredon@centralswindonnorth-pc.gov.uk.”

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.

“This grant award to Swindon Borough Council towards developing a new multi-sport community hub is fantastic news for the local community and will help give more people access to a great place to play.”

David Hook, Managing Director at TigerTurf UK, said: “We’re delighted to be part of the team, alongside partners McArdle Sport Tec, bringing Moredon Sporting Hub to the local community.

“Hubs like this are vital to keep communities active, providing safe, high-quality facilities for future generations to enjoy.”

Mark Robins, Spadeoak Contracts Director, said: “Spadeoak has been privileged to work on prestigious projects over the last 45 years and we are delighted Swindon Borough Council have selected Spadeoak to complete works at Moredon Sporting Hub.

“Bringing communities together is a key ethos in our values and we are proud to be part of this team leaving this legacy at Moredon"

Darryl Hawkins, Managing Director at Snape Contracting Services Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this exciting leisure project as one of the four main contractors, with the support of one of our group companies, Talus Construction. 

"Since the creation of our Swindon base in Kembrey Park a number of years ago, Snape Contracting Services has worked closely with Swindon Borough Council on a number of high profile community projects around the town. 

"We very much look forward to seeing the impact of the collective inputs of all involved in this project to create what is sure to be a fantastic sporting facility."