Plans to expand Foundation Park to the abandoned County Ground Bowls Club have received backing from local MPs.

The facility is home to the Swindon Town Community Foundation, which provides sessions and events for groups of all ages in the town.

It originally opened back in January last year and is now looking to expand into the abandoned area of the County Ground field and convert it into a covered sports facility.

A statement from the foundation said: “This site has not been in use for over three years, and in this time has fallen into a state of disrepair. 

“The aspiration is to create a covered facility that will be accessible to a greater number of people, particularly vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities, the very young, and the elderly.”

Early talks are currently being held with Swindon Borough Council and South Swindon Parish Council, which covers the site.

Head of the foundation Jon Holloway added: “We are incredibly proud of the facility that we have created in Foundation Park, and we want to continue to offer new opportunities to the people of Swindon. 

“A covered sports facility would offer Swindon a new venue for sports and activities that can be used all year round, in all weather conditions. 

“This would give even more people, and in particular vulnerable groups, the opportunity to stay active and have fun, without having to travel outside of Swindon.”

And the plans have received backing from local MPs. 
South Swindon MP Robert Buckland and North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson released a joint letter supporting the proposal.

It said: “We are writing in support of your proposal to redevelop the disused bowls club at Foundation Park. 

“This is a fantastic opportunity to secure much needed community sports facilities for Swindon. 

“The range of activities which will be available in the proposed facility would be of great benefit to a wide range of residents, including the elderly, those with disabilities and the very young - all of which have limited provision at present. 

“We are both very impressed with the structure that is being proposed for this facility and would like to offer our strong support.”