Member Article

Local MP praises hard work involved in delivering brand-new sports hub to Romsey

Romsey and Southampton North MP Caroline Nokes has applauded the hard work of a leading developer after being given a VIP tour of a new state-of-the-art sports facility.

The Ganger Farm Sports Pavilion forms the final part of Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ 275-home King’s Chase development in Romsey and promises a much-needed, high-quality venue for local sports clubs and the wider community.

Joining Caroline on the day was Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Councillor David Drew, and Centre Manager Ben Homer, who showed off the venue’s impressive facilities. Included on the site are adult and junior football pitches, rugby pitches and AstroTurf, as well as a bar and training facilities.

The professional League Academy standard football pitches were a particular highlight of the day, having been built on 40 acres of land gifted by the HC Marshall Trust.

Caroline Nokes said: “The Ganger Farm Sports Pavilion is already phenomenally busy, with many local sports clubs and other groups using it. There has been a real need for this sort of facility in Romsey and it is good to see how Test Valley Borough Council has been able to work hand in hand with Barratt and David Wilson Homes and the HC Marshall Trust to bring forward this wonderful asset. We all know how crucial physical activity is for both young and old, and I am sure this will be appreciated and loved by future generations.

She added: “I was delighted to hear about the growing demand for girls’ football, following the success of the Lionesses last year. There is so much work that goes into making sure there are clubs available for boys and girls locally, so it’s great there is now a state-of-the-art facility for them to play at. I have no doubt this hub will go from strength to strength. It is already home to Romsey Rugby and Holley Clubs, but it was fantastic to see the range of facilities also available to the wider community.”

James Dunne, Managing Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes, Southampton division, said: “We pride ourselves on building communities where people want to live, and we are thrilled at the positive reaction the Pavilion has received. This will make a fabulous addition to our King’s Chase development here.”

James added: “For those who may have missed out on purchasing a new home at our brand-new community, our nearest development is Forest Walk in Whiteley, which is less than 30-minutes’ drive away.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Barratt Homes .