A Birmingham youth centre's sports facilities are being used as inspiration for Swindon's newest 'play zone'.

Improvement works at Buckhurst Field in Walcot were first announced in June 2024, as South Swindon Parish Council promised an enhanced play area and more recreational activities for local residents.

Plans included restored football pitches, new changing rooms, a rebuilt skatepark, a new cycleway, a tarmacked car park and a 'PlayZone'.

Now parish officers have given more insight into plans for the PlayZone, which are set to be modelled off a facility in Birmingham.

(Image: South Swindon Parish Council) On Tuesday, January 14, members of South Swindon Parish Council and WASP (Wiltshire & Swindon Sport) visited Concord Youth Centre in Birmingham to check out the facilities.

"Their PlayZone facility will be replicated at Buckhurst Field this year," said a spokesperson for South Swindon Parish Council.

"The Buckhurst PlayZone facility will offer a place to play football, basketball and volleyball.

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"The PlayZone project, sponsored by the Football Foundation, aims to offer more safe, inclusive and accessible outdoor facilities for those who struggle to access sport.

"The council is currently waiting for feedback on its planning application and construction should start in late spring/early summer."

Although work on the PlayZone facility is being carried out by South Swindon Parish Council, officers are working in collaboration with Football Foundation, WASP and Swindon Borough Council.

A parish council spokesperson previously explained that the new PlayZone would provide an "improved play experience for casual football and basketball."

“The parish council is undertaking an ambitious improvement project at Buckhurst Field to enhance the sports and recreation facilities across the site," added a spokesperson for the parish council.

“Other planned works at Buckhurst Field include renovating the skate park.

A mock-up plan for the Buckhurst Field PlayZone (Image: South Swindon Parish Council)

“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 also 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."

The wider improvement project is estimated to cost £600,000, and is aimed at making the area more modern and sustainable to encourage Walcot residents to be more active and improve their overall health.

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