Enhanced sports facilities under consideration for Swanmore Community College

Friday, 19 October 2012

The provision of improved sports facilities for Swanmore Community College of Technology will be considered by the Leader of Hampshire County Council at his next Decision Day meeting (25 October).

Councillor Ken Thornber will consider the £1.1million proposals to provide an all-weather floodlit synthetic turf pitch at the College, as well as a full-size grass rugby pitch.

The proposals have arisen as an opportunity exists to swap one of the College's current playing fields for an existing field of a similar size. This would allow a parcel of land to be developed by Linden Homes to create 75 residential units.

The investment would not result in any overall loss of sports facilities for the College, but deliver significantly improved facilities with a longer season of use.

However, it is reliant on the plans for the housing development receiving planning permission. If the application is unsuccessful, neither scheme would go ahead as they are dependent on each other.

Building on the 2012 Olympic legacy

Councillor Thornber, said:

"Following the London 2012 Games over the summer, these pitches would help to build on that Olympic legacy and provide the College's 1,251 pupils with enhanced sporting facilities. If both schemes receive planning permission, this would also then allow proceeds from the sale of the land for housing, to be reinvested into the College's buildings."

Subject to a decision on 25 October, and planning permission being granted for both the housing, and sport pitches proposals, work could begin on the site during the spring/summer of 2013 and be complete by the end of 2013.

• Swanmore Community College of Technology meeting summary

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