Major progress made on £600k park improvement as opening date looms

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A £600,000 project to transform a recreational area in Swindon is now nearing completion as significant progress is made.

Efforts to transform a recreational area in Swindon, costing £600,000, are now nearing completion as significant progress is made. Work first kicked off on the Buckhurst Field Pavilion in January 2025, as the former changing rooms next to New College's 3G pitches were torn down to build a new sports pavilion. Once renovated, the Walcot site will act as a clubhouse for Robins Football Club with a kitchen and renovated changing facilities, as well as a 'mini-depot' for South Swindon Parish Council staff.

On top of this, the £600,000 project also includes restored football pitches, a rebuilt skatepark, a new cycleway, a 'PlayZone', and a tarmacked carpark. It marks South Swindon Parish Council's largest-ever investment in recreation facilities in the town. Latest photos taken in April 2025 now show significant progress on the sports pavilion which councillors say is "nearly complete" as "the finishing touches are being applied.



" A look inside the newly-renovated pavilion (Image: South Swindon Parish Council) The building will boast solar panels on the roof, which are expected to create more than enough energy for the building, meaning it should run at net-zero. A spokesperson for the parish council added: "The skatepark has also progressed very well and is on schedule to open in mid-May." The £155,830 skate park development will replace the existing facility with an inclusive design suitable for skateboarding, rollerblading, BMX and scooters and catering to all skill levels.

The skatepark is set to be complete in May (Image: South Swindon Parish Council) Councillor Emma Bushell, Deputy Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled we are investing in these facilities which will have such a positive impact on young people in our community. "I’m really proud of the investment we have secured for local projects and this is a fantastic example of effective partnership working between the Borough and Parish councils and a key local business to deliver for the community. "The Buckhurst Field Improvement Programme builds on what we have delivered at the Moredon Sporting Hub and is a perfect example of how we are building a better and fairer Swindon.

" Recommended reading: Councillor Steve Allsop, from the Park North and Walcot ward, added: “It’s fantastic seeing these projects finally coming to fruition. "These new facilities will provide modern, accessible spaces for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy sports and recreation. "We've listened carefully to residents' feedback throughout this process, and I'm confident these upgrades will make Buckhurst Field a premier sporting destination in South Swindon.

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