Swindon Borough Council has officially unveiled its first new 3G football pitch at Moredon Sporting Hub – and it is ahead of schedule.
The new floodlit pitch is available for footballers of all abilities and is big enough to host a full-size 11-a-side game, two nine-a-side pitches, or four five-a-side pitches.
To celebrate the unveiling of this new development, local clubs took to the pitch on Monday, October 16, to test it out.
The new pitch, run by Central Swindon North Parish Council, will be used by only local clubs while construction of the rest of the sporting hub site is ongoing.
But pitches will also become available for the wider community to book and use when the sporting hub officially opens next spring.
“This is a great community asset that we’re pleased to hand over to the Parish,” said Councillor Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council's cabinet member for communities and joint working.
“I can’t wait to see the next generation of footballers (and those who haven’t put their boots on for some time) play on this pitch and I’m sure it will be well-used and loved by everyone.
“Of course, this is only just the start for the Moredon Sporting Hub and work is really taking shape on the new pavilion and the cycle tracks creating some of the best cycling facilities in the region,” he added.
The site, which was previously Moredon playing fields, on Akers Way, has been in development since March 2022, and construction workers are currently ahead of schedule.
Once complete, the £6.3 million multi-sports hub will include a closed road cycle circuit, a full-size floodlit 3G pitch, a car park which will include accessible and minibus spaces, sports pitches for cricket and football, and a new pavilion with café and changing rooms.
“Having the 3G pitch available from today shows the Parish Council and other stakeholders’ commitment to providing our residents with some much-needed, fresh sporting facilities,” said Councillor James Yeowell, from Central North Swindon Parish Council.
Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, added: “Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities.
“We’re delighted that the local community in Swindon will now be able to enjoy all these benefits thanks to the new 3G football turf pitch at Moredon Sporting Hub.”
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