Work has started on a new £3.6m sports hub at Moredon.

The facility, which will include a 3G football pitch, a cycle track and a pavilion, is due to open in spring next year and will be managed by Central Swindon North Parish Council.

And councillors are already investigating the possibility of making the national standard facilities available to as many local people as possible with a parish resident discount card.

Chairman Steph Exell said it would provide a huge number of sporting opportunities including cycling, football and cricket.

Along with a gym, croquet lawns, a BMX track, the centre being built on the former Moredon Golf Club site with the help of funding from Sport England, the Football Foundation and British Cycling, will house traditional grass pitches, a cafe and community space.

Coun Exell said: “The introduction of a safe open road circuit cycle track will provide a fully inclusive facility not just for dedicated cycling enthusiasts, but will introduce cycling in a safe environment to local schools and residents.”

She explained: “Councillors are committed to ensuring residents can access all these facilities. For those residents who have lived here a while, this will be similar to the former popular Swindon/Thamesdown Gold Card which was discontinued by Swindon Borough Council in 2013.”

Chairman of the leisure and recreation committee Mick Lucas said the parish had worked to ensure it exceeded statutory requirements for disabled use.

"We will also ensure the facility will be a sustainable, environmentally low impact solution, based on a socially inclusive driven approach.”

Community wellbeing committee chairman James Yeowell added: “I am confident that the parish-run facility can be a success, even during the potential post-Covid times.”

“It will grow as a facility and will not only bring people in from outside of town but will also be a wonderful asset for locals who want to take up cycling and improve their own fitness and wellbeing.”

“Having several sports, leisure and learning facilities centralised in one place is definitely an advantage as well. I look forward to seeing the facility open and becoming the success it deserves to be.”

Councillor Dale Heenan cabinet member for regeneration, culture, heritage and leisure, said: “The hub is an exciting £4m project for Swindon.

“The borough council has been successful in securing more than £1 million in grants, and agreed a further £2.5 million. The parish council, meanwhile, has agreed to contribute £650,000 towards the pavilion costs and agreed to run the pavilion cafe more than a year ago.

“Sadly, the parish council has jumped the gun with its announcement because there remains much work to do before anything can be confirmed. Sport England, the Football Foundation and British Cycling specifically asked that no publicity should be given to the sports hub until all of the legal documents have been completed by the borough council.

“Tenders remain open for local businesses to bid until July 12, and final planning permission is at least a month away.”

With preliminary works underway, completion of the sports hub is scheduled for Spring 2022.