PROPOSALS to breathe new life into one of Swindon’s green lungs could see millions of pounds invested in brand new sports facilities.

Moredon Recreation Ground has been earmarked for more than £3.6m of investment that would provide a BMX pump track, a cycling closed road circuit, cyclo-cross facilities and enhanced cricket pitches.

The proposed plans, which have been approved by Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet, also feature new football pitches including a full size 3G pitch, an expansion of the croquet club and a replacement changing room and pavilion.

The council-owned recreation ground currently provides football, cricket and croquet, but the current sports pavilion and changing rooms are in need of major refurbishment or replacement.

Councillor Mary Martin, the cabinet member for communities and place, said: “This is a tremendous opportunity to provide first-class sporting facilities that can be used by clubs and the local community.

“We made a commitment to retain Moredon Recreation Ground for recreational use when the decision was taken to close the nine-hole pitch and putt course and I am really pleased we have come up with a scheme which opens up the land for recreational use once more and provides such a diverse range of sporting activities.

“We have received really positive feedback from the local community so far and I look forward to engaging with them further as we develop the detailed masterplan for the site.”

The par 3 pitch and putt golf course, which makes up a large portion of the site, is also currently unused and the council has been looking at options to transform the facility in order to make it sustainable in the long term.

Sport England, British Cycling and the Football Foundation have indicated a willingness to offer grant funding to offset the cost of the new changing rooms and pavilion, proposed cycling road circuit and 3G artificial pitch, all of which is subject to a formal application process.