Reading could soon get a children’s activity centre at Prospect Park, including minigolf, a cafe, and archery.

The plans from the council aim to address the lack of a significant outdoor activity centre in Reading such as Wokingham’s Dinton Pastures or Bracknell’s Go Ape.

Reading Borough Council (RBC) says these sites encourage physical activity and bring wellbeing benefits and the town.

READ MORE:New Dinton Activity Centre reaches ‘major milestone’ in building progress

Councillor Karen Rowland, lead member for culture, heritage and recreation, said: “I’m really eager to see this project become a reality and I’m delighted we are able to invest over half a million in this ambitious multi-use children’s hub at Prospect Park.

“Not only will this benefit the local community, but it will also attract a diverse range of visitors to one of our most prominent green spaces, enhancing its reputation both locally and regionally.

“This proposal for adventure ropes, mini-golf and climbing walls would provide Reading with a unique mix of indoor and outdoor facilities for children and families.

“Even more importantly, this development will allow our amazing play service to expand the important educational work they do with vulnerable children across the borough.”

Details of its proposal for the town have been unveiled, including:

  • Skytrail high ropes course
  • Family minigolf with wheelchair access
  • Outdoor enclosed education zone including archery, portable climbing wall and team building activities
  • Café
  • Multi-function indoor space for parties and meetings.

Reading Chronicle: PICTURED: Plans for the activity centrePICTURED: Plans for the activity centre

Disused garages would be converted into ropes and a climbing wall, offices would become a café and classroom and open space to the front of the building would be converted into a 9-hole family mini golf course.

The yard space behind the pavilion would be used as an outdoor activity area including play equipment and also for company or team building days.

The plans also include accessible activities catering for a range of physical abilities, as well as further developing established support services for vulnerable and disadvantaged young people and children.

There are also plans in the works to spend almost £250,000 to ‘urgently’ replace the playground in Prospect Park.

READ MORE: ‘Urgent’ playground replacement works costing almost £250k approved in Tilehurst

Timescale for the plans

The plans have been unveiled in papers ahead of next Monday’s Policy committee (February 15).

If the plans are approved, the council hopes to submit a planning application by April, get approval in early summer and complete works in November.

However, the Prospect Park pavilion is currently being used as a walk-through testing station with an initial contract of three months.

If the testing station remains in place beyond July, the timescale may be reviewed or delayed.

The plans will be funded through £566,000 section 106 and CIL funding, planning levies on developers.