RESIDENTS will have their say on plans for new sport and leisure facilities in their area.
The University of Reading and Shinfield Parish Council are jointly embarking on a consultation period which will help guide the delivery of pitches, courts, green spaces and communal allotments in the next 18 months.
Input from sports and recreation clubs and societies, and their members, as well as other residents, will further their understanding of the community’s current and future needs.
The consultation will include an event on Saturday, January 28, held at School Green Centre in Shinfield, where representatives from the university and Parish Council will be on-hand to discuss any queries residents have.
Cllr Ian Clarke, chair of Shinfield Parish Council’s recreation & amenities committee, said: “Sport and recreation are vital to any vibrant, healthy community, and Shinfield Parish residents deserve the best.
“We want to hear from everyone in the parish who has a view on the future of our sport and leisure so we can deliver as much as possible of what our residents need for years to come. We especially welcome ideas on the provision of facilities for young adults and women.”
The proposals are to deliver six additional sports pitches close to Shinfield West Pavilion, which is currently under construction and is due to be completed in autumn 2023.
It will provide a brand new sports facility and cricket pitch, as previously requested by local clubs.
The university has also put forward proposals for a further six sports pitches as part of a reserved matters application for the site. Depending on demand from residents, these could be for football, hockey, rugby, American football or tennis, among other sports.
In addition to the Shinfield West proposals, the parish council is looking to increase its provision at Millworth Lane Recreation Ground.
Initial thoughts include additional tennis courts, a netball court, a basketball court and a pump track for cyclists. However, the council is eager to learn about residents’ preferences through the consultation.
It has also looked at alternatives such as padel tennis, table tennis and a multi-sports court.
Dave Evans, Reading FC community trust manager, believes access to facilities can play a key role in people’s well-being.
He explained: “For the physical and mental development of people of all ages, genders, cultures, abilities, exercise plays a huge factor. Therefore, ensuring local grassroot facilities are available, accessible, fit for purpose and affordable needs to be a major priority for all local authorities and leisure providers.
“Thomas McIntyre, Reading FC first team player, played local grassroots football in the Berkshire Youth development league, allowing him to develop his talent as a footballer and be scouted by his adored club – Reading FC.
“Major, sustained investment is needed by the government, not just to unearth those talented individuals, but to help ensure all individuals have an opportunity of participating in some form of exercise or sport within their local and surrounding communities.”
Residents will also be able to voice their opinions on a new community growing space in Shinfield.
The university is already committed to providing traditional allotments but intends to also provide a growing garden which could include school allotment plots and an outdoor learning area, a nursery for woodland trees that could be planted into a wider area, a community orchard, or other ideas suggested as part of the consultation process.
Professor Robert Van de Noort, vice-chancellor of the University of Reading, said: “The University of Reading has been part of the fabric of Wokingham for more than 100 years and we want to help shape the future of the Borough and the facilities that exist for local residents.
“Sustainability is at the heart of what we do and by providing this community growing garden we would open up opportunities for sustainable food growing and increased biodiversity, as well as educational opportunities for school children.
“We know the importance of grass root sports facilities for local communities, and the vital part they have played in the early careers of many sporting legends. We are proud to be delivering these new facilities in the next few months and years, as well as planning ahead for future demand.”
The consultation takes place from 10am-3pm. Those who are unable to attend can view the proposals online and comments can be submitted via email. Further details will be provided closer to the date.
