PEOPLE are being asked to say what should replace “leaky, old and cold” buildings used by several of Chipping Sodbury’s sports clubs.
The Chipping Sodbury Town Trust has engaged consultants to run an online survey to find out what facilities people would like to see at The Ridings.
The trust, which administers the land, needs to update the existing sports club buildings.
It announced plans to build new facilities for community and sports activities last year, and said the project would be funded by the sale of 13.5 acres of the 200-acre site for housing.
But the housing plan was met with opposition by some residents, who told the Voice they are applying to have the area given protected ‘village green’ status.
The trust says it is working closely with Chipping Sodbury Town FC, Chipping Sodbury RFC, St Nicholas Football Club and other groups within the Ridings Sports Association to understand their needs for improved facilities and pitches, as well as a new community hub.
A trust spokesperson said: “The Ridings is a much-loved and well-used part of our community.
“We want to make sure we can continue to provide good recreational space and facilities at The Ridings for generations to come.
“The existing sports facilities are leaky, old and cold, so we want to upgrade these for local sports clubs and create a new space for the local community where people can come together for classes, clubs and gatherings.
“Our plans are at an early stage, so we want to hear from people of all ages and interests in the community to learn more about how people would like to use The Ridings, and what improvements we can make.
“The community’s ideas will help shape the plans.”
Online survey launched
An online consultation and survey has been launched at theridingscommunityhub.co.uk.
It includes questions on whether people use or live near the Ridings, what new facilities they would like to see there, what improvements could be made to existing facilities and what groups might want to use the site.
Consultants Meeting Place, who have organised the survey, say it will stay open throughout October.
People can also email questions to info@theridingscommunityhub.co.uk or call 0800 148 8911.
The consultation does not include questions on the possibility of new homes on part of the land.
The trust said: “Discussions with a potential partner for the community hub and homes are at an early stage.
“The local community will have the opportunity to share feedback on proposals for any new homes as part of a public consultation before any planning application is submitted to South Gloucestershire Council.
“We’ve carefully considered exactly where new homes could go so that we can support much-needed improvements and create new spaces for an even wider range of groups and people.