A Swindon park is set to benefit from an investment of more than half a million pounds after plans were announced for major upgrades.

Buckhurst Field in the Park North and Walcot area is managed by South Swindon Parish Council and is set to receive an investment of  £600,000 for a new play area, skate park, sports facilities, cycle path and landscaping.

Once work begins, South Swindon Parish Council say that the upgrades should take 18 months to complete, and they will work in partnership with Swindon Borough Council, the Football Foundation and the Oakfield Development Board.

Plans for the new play area include new swings, a sensory play board, a zipline, hurricane swing and more, and pathways around the play area are set to be widened and improved to make the park more accessible.

Swindon Advertiser: The concept for an upgraded skate park, which will sit alongside the play park and football facilities.The concept for an upgraded skate park, which will sit alongside the play park and football facilities. (Image: South Swindon Parish Council)

On top of this, the park will see the inactive football pitches restored to game condition with drainage improvements and improved turf.

The changing rooms will be reformatted into a new sports pavilion and the current pothole-ridden car park will be resurfaced.

“This programme represents South Swindon Parish Council's largest investment ever in recreation facilities for our community,” said Councillor Linda Kasmaty, Chair of Leisure, Environment and Amenities.

“We’re delighted to work with the borough council and we're proud to welcome an established local club like Swindon Robins FC to make Buckhurst their home ground.”

Swindon Advertiser: The multi-use games area is also expected to be upgraded with the help of Football Foundation.The multi-use games area is also expected to be upgraded with the help of Football Foundation. (Image: South Swindon Parish Council)

Paul Wainwright, chair of Swindon Robins, added: “Since our founding in 1991, we've been a club without a true home base, having to use various pitches and facilities around Swindon for matches and practice.

“Finally having a permanent venue at Buckhurst will allow us to establish a real community hub for our players, families and supporters.

“The new sports pavilion with changing rooms and club space will provide an ideal headquarters and the restoration of the grass pitches means our teams from under-7s up to under-18s will have a high-quality place to play week in and week out.”

Swindon Advertiser: A brand new cycle path around the field's perimeter will connect Dorcan Way and Queens Drive.A brand new cycle path around the field's perimeter will connect Dorcan Way and Queens Drive. (Image: South Swindon Parish Council)

Improvements are also expected to be carried out on the multi-use games area and the skatepark, and along with upgrades to the pre-existing facilities, South Swindon Parish Council hopes to construct brand-new walking and cycle paths around the park.

This would be approximately one mile in length, connecting the existing paths from Dorcan Way and Queens Drive, and would have different lanes for pedestrians and cyclists.

A public drop-in session will be held by the Parish and Borough Council on Thursday, March 14, at Buckhurst Community Centre for anyone wishing to ask questions or find out more.