Construction of a new football clubhouse and 'mini-depot' has begun at Buckhurst Field, as former changing rooms are torn down.

Work on what is set to become the new Shrewsbury Road Pavilion has finally kicked off and is expected to take four months to complete.

Once finished, the former changing rooms will be transformed into a new clubhouse for Robins Football Club with a kitchen and renovated changing facilities, as well as a 'mini-depot' for South Swindon Parish Council staff.

According to Paul Wainwright, chair of Swindon Robins FC, the new venue will allow the club to establish a "real community" among players, families and supporters.

“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," said Paul.

“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.”

Old changing facilities are being removed to make way for the new clubhouse (Image: South Swindon Parish Council)

Work is underway (Image: South Swindon Parish Council) The project is being carried out by South Swindon Parish Council, supported by Swindon Borough Council.

Councillor Linda Kasmaty, Chair of Leisure Environment and Amenities at the parish council added: "This programme represents South Swindon's largest investment ever in recreation facilities for our community.

“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.”

The construction is part of a bigger improvement project at Buckhurst Field in Walcot, which is estimated to cost £600,000 in total.

The plans, first announced in June 2024, include restored football pitches, a rebuilt skatepark, a new cycleway, a 'PlayZone', a tarmacked carpark, and the new Shrewsbury Road clubhouse.

READ MORE: Buckhurst Field upgrade to replicate Birmingham 'play zone'

£600,000 will be spent on Buckhurst Field upgrades (Image: South Swindon Parish Council) “The parish council is undertaking an ambitious improvement project at Buckhurst Field to enhance the sports and recreation facilities across the site," said a spokesperson for South Swindon Parish Council.

"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.

“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."

Although the construction of the new clubhouse is set to take four months, parish councillors are also pushing forward with the redevelopment of Buckhurst Skate Park, which they say is due to begin in February 2025.

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