Swindon's new £5m sports hub could home football pitches and skate park

A new sports hub could be built to boost space for footballers, cyclists and skate-boarders after a council received a formal application.

Swindon Borough Council's (SBC) leaders hope to build the site near East Wichel Way at a cost of about £5m.

It could include two full size football pitches, a skate park, a bike hire centre and a play area, with Wiltshire Football Association (FA) identified as the preferred operator of the facility.

Councillor Kevin Small, the council's cabinet member for finance, said the FA's "knowledge and expertise has been invaluable" and it will offer a "great boost to local football in the borough".

The hub would also contain a main car park, a pavilion and changing rooms, an all-weather football pitch, smaller multi-use pitches for small-sided games and a small countryside walking area.

Near the car park will be a learn to ride circuit for children, a bike hire and maintenance centre and a pétanque or boules piste, as well as an outdoor seating area.

The council hopes to make a decision on its plan by the end of January next year.

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