Improvement work is underway in Swindon to enhance a popular play area and add more recreational activities for local residents to enjoy.

South Swindon Parish Council has many significant improvements planned for Buckhurst Field over the next 18 months, including rebuilding the skatepark, a new cycleway, a tarmacked car park and restoring the football pitches with new changing rooms.

The council has overseen the installation of new equipment in the playground, which is aimed at being more accessible for all children to use, and they hope the play area will be finished in the next week and a half.  

A spokesperson for South Swindon Parish Council said: “The parish council is undertaking an ambitious improvement project at Buckhurst Field to enhance the sports and recreation facilities across the site.

“The play area refurbishment is nearing completion, and the space will be more inclusive with new equipment that will be accessible for those with disabilities or special educational needs. There will be new swings, a sensory play board, a zipline, hurricane swing and more. The pathways around the play area will also be widened and improved.

“Over the past few weeks, a specialist contractor has been on site to improve the drainage and appearance of the pitches on the field. This work included reactivating the drains on the field and scarifying the surface to lay new grass seed, which will be maintained to a good, game-ready quality.

“Swindon Robins, a local junior football team and Swindon Spitfires, a women’s and girls' football team, will start training and playing their home matches on the field from the 24/25 season. The changing rooms next to New College’s 3G pitches will be converted into a pavilion with a kitchen and changing facilities, allowing the clubs to establish a home base in the Parks and Walcot community.

“Other planned works at Buckhurst Field include renovating the skate park and working with the Football Foundation to establish a new ‘PlayZone’ facility, which would provide an improved play experience for casual football and basketball.”

It’s hoped these improvements will make the area more modern and sustainable to give local residents and those in surrounding neighbourhoods more choice, as well as encouraging them to be more active and improve their overall health.

South Swindon Parish Council is working with Swindon Borough Council to deliver these plans, which are expected to cost around £600,000.