THE TOWN's only dedicated driving range is set to be shut down after 17 years and replaced with a brand new outdoor activity centre.

Leaders of the town's authority have decided not to extend Leaderboard's - the firm which runs the driving range - lease on the driving range at Rivermead and will turf the company out in March because the new plans offers a "better value for money".

The site will be transformed into a revolutionary facility, including a high ropes adventure zone, archery, mini golf and laser clay pigeon shooting.

Reading Chronicle:

An artist's impression of the new hub.

The centre, planned to open in Autumn 2017, will be open to the public throughout the year and will also be available to schools and nurseries. It will host an outdoor classroom and other education facilities.

Councillor Paul Gittings, lead member for sport, said: "We are firmly of the belief that these plans provide the best value for money by maximising the use of what is a prime riverside location, while at the same time offering a fantastic new facility for children and young people in Reading right on their own doorstep.

“It means Rivermead will become a fantastic leisure and recreation destination for the town and for the wider region.”

Leaderboard first leased the site at Rivermead 17 years ago and has run its driving range since. However, number crunches at RBC were disappointed at the firm's expected returns in its latest lease proposal.

A spokesman for Reading Borough Council added: "The lease was renegotiated in early 2016, but at a time of unprecedented financial pressures the Council does not believe the revised terms represent the best return for the site, or maximises its benefit to the wider community.

"The Council is therefore ending Leaderboard’s lease of the site with the aim of opening up the new outdoor activity centre by autumn 2017."

The new centre is part of a massive change at the Rivermead site, which will eventually feature a new swimming pool.

Cllr Tony Jones, lead member for education, said he hopes schools from outside of Reading Borough will travel to the town to make the most of the new centre.

He said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to provide a unique new learning experience for every child who attends a school in Reading. We know that learning through this sort of outdoor activity inspires young people, so I am delighted these plans are coming forward.

"The centre will be particularly important for promoting physical activity and for providing new and exciting leaning opportunities for children with special educational needs or disabilities.

“It will be located in the heart of Reading and available for every Reading school to use. I’m sure it will not be long before we begin to see schools from outside the town taking advantage of the facilities also.”

  • Do you use the driving range at Rivermead? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment below, calling 0118 9553306 or email news@readingchronicle.co.uk