More than a decade after buying land for a sports hub, Wokingham Borough Council has agreed to move the plans forward.
The council’s community and corporate overview and scrutiny committee agreed at its November 4 meeting a timetable to make the long-awaited scheme a reality.
The authority acquired the site at Grays Farm, off Heathlands Road in the southern outskirts of Wokingham in 2014 for £2.8 million and, while housing development progresses all around, the land has continued to be used as a pick-your-own fruit farm.
Plans for the way forward, which will come back to the committee and will need to be approved by the council’s executive early next year, would mean submission of a planning application next Summer with construction beginning in Spring 2027 and grass pitches ready by September 2028.
The council will fund the hub using contributions from developers building new homes in the borough, along with possible money from external bodies like the Football Foundation.
Facilities being considered include a 1,700 sq m two-storey pavilion, plus a circular activity track and landscaping. It would have a car park and a walking and cycling link to some of the new housing to the north.
An alternative would be a pavilion of around 3,100 sq m with hireable events space, an 80-station gym, a studio space and a soft play room.
In addition, a second phase option being considered, which could be pursued later on land to the east of the site, would be to partner with an operator on a wider joint venture like a sports village.
Councillors requested residents, community groups and local sports teams have ample scope to comment on the scheme.
Cllr Mark Ashwell, executive member for economic development, sport, leisure and arts, said: “We’re pleased to be moving forward with this proposal, which will provide great enjoyment for our residents for many years to come.
“It meets many of our goals, from giving new communities all they need to thrive to providing affordable access to physically and mentally healthy living. By providing sustainable travel links as an alternative to driving, we can ensure new development has as little environmental impact as possible.
“We know many residents have happy memories of the fruit farm, which has been run so well by a local family for decades, but this plan will preserve its essence as a cherished outdoor space.
“No final decision has been taken, but any commercial options will be assessed with the utmost diligence and, if pursued, will support the services that our residents rely on. We’d also like to thank our officers who’ve worked hard to progress this project on our residents’ behalf.”
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