Sports hub costing £6.3m opens to community

The hub has a variety of uses, with multiple pitches and a cycling track

A multi-million pound sporting hub, including cycling facilities that can be used for competitions, a floodlit 3G pitch and a BMX track, has officially opened.

Moredon Sporting Hub in Swindon cost £6.3m, with funding coming from several places, including local councils.

It promised to offer sport and leisure for all ages and to introduce new activities on a Family Open Day on 14 July.

Andy Reeves from Central North Swindon Parish Council said it was an "investment in prevention" for people's health.

'Real buzz'

For cycling, there was a 0.75 mile (1.2km) cycling closed road circuit, which allowed for three separate groups to use the track at one time and would be used at competition level with British Cycling.

There was a mini roads training zone for children to learn to ride a bike as well as a BMX pump track.

Mr Reeves said: "We want to spur on the next potential Olympic athlete to come from Swindon, but this is an area with high health challenges.

"We think cycling can be a real Trojan horse to help deal with some of those issues. The elites and everyday cycling, all are welcome here."

He added that it "really is a multi-faceted facility, it's a real buzz"

The cycling track is to a competition standard, so it can host both 'elites' and anyone else who would like to have a go.

In addition to cycling and the 3G pitch, there were also grass pitches, three for football, two for cricket.

There would also be a new pavilion with better changing area, a cafe and improved reception.

Meanwhile, two more croquet lawns have also been added to the three already there.

It has also put in almost 300 new trees and hedges into the local landscape.

Mr Reeves said: "We know what the cost of ill health is to the NHS and council services and this is an investment in prevention."

The floodlit 3G pitch

The parish council wanted to keep costs for people low, so they were bringing in a green card scheme, which would offer discounts depending on circumstances.

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

Funding came from both councils, the Premier League, The FA, government’s Football Foundation and Sport England.