THE UNIVERSITY of Reading has announced that it is working with councils to bring a multi-million pound sports investment to Shinfield.
It is working with Shinfield Parish Council and Wokingham Borough Council to bring a new sports and recreation facility to the area.
It will form a part of the Shinfield West housing development, bringing space for two football pitches and full-sized cricket pitch..
There will also be an accompanying pavilion with changing rooms, a function space, kitchen, and bar.
The work is set to be undertaken by Beard Construction, with pitches expected to be complete by summer 2025.
It comes after a public consultation for the plans was held in January last year, which also saw the inclusion of plans for further pitches, a community garden, and green spaces.
It also follows the opening of the Manor Ground pavilion which opened in May last year.
Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: “We all know about the benefits an active lifestyle can have on our physical and mental health, and the University of Reading is happy to deliver this fantastic new facility for the residents and sports teams of Shinfield.
“The University is committed to continue working with the Shinfield community to develop outdoor facilities that will be a real benefit to the local community.”
He added: “As a keen cyclist, I am especially looking forward to seeing more cycle routes to help people travel in a fun, healthy and sustainable way, and I know that many people in the area will appreciate these new cricket, football and social facilities too.”
Cllr Ian Clarke, of Shinfield Parish Council, said: “This development helps address the shortfall in sporting facilities within the parish where participation, especially from girls and women players, has grown dramatically.”
