PlayZone facility to open in Bemerton Heath with aim of boosting local community sport and active wellbeing

Wiltshire Council has worked with the local Bemerton Heath community and partners to design and successfully obtain funding to rebuild the Gainsborough Close Multi-Use-Games-Area (MUGA) – with the first phase of the project being completed this week.

After a successful grant award of £213,278 from the Football Foundation and £75,000 match funding secured via Wiltshire Council’s Community Conversations programme, work began on 3rd November to convert the existing rundown MUGA into a PlayZone.

It’s a small-sided facility designed with, and for, the local community, and will be set out and equipped to host football, basketball, netball and other physical activity opportunities.

The PlayZone will have a phased opening, with the main handover from the contractor having taken place today (18 December). The facility is now open to the community with temporary line marking for sports.

In the new year, the floodlights will be activated, and the intention is then to install an access gate with a keycode lock to the facility to allow for electronic private bookings during facility downtimes. Some local groups requested this type of access during the consultation

At the same time, Wiltshire Council and its partners are committed to maintaining the community spirit of the current MUGA, with evening, weekend and school holiday periods due to remain largely open access.

Extensive consultation took place with residents, both current and non-users of the facility, with the aim of ensuring the new space will best meet the needs and preferences of all Bemerton Heath residents. The results of this work informed both the design and the physical activity projects that were desired at the new PlayZone in the future.

In the spring, when the weather permits, the full cover PlayZone surface spray will be applied to complete the facility. After this final step, an official opening event will be organised by the PlayZone’s Steering Group.

Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “The new floodlit PlayZone will provide year-round access to a quality local sports facility right on the doorstep for residents. The co-location of the PlayZone being adjacent to the Rise 61 garden creates a community space where residents can be physically and mentally active together.”

Cllr Mel Jacob, Deputy Leader of Wiltshire Council and Cabinet Member for Communities, Engagement, and Corporate Services, said: “I am delighted that the Bemerton Heath community will get access to a new high quality PlayZone facility, and it’s great to see everyone’s vision becoming a reality. Now this first phase is almost complete, further work will be carried out in the new year to add the finishing touches.

“We look forward to working with local partners to offer new projects to help tackle inequalities in physical activity.”