A new multi-use community hub and activity centre will be built in part of the pavilion building at the park, which will become a new destination for activities, entertainment and learning for families and children from across Reading and beyond.

Funded from money secured via Section 106 agreements and from the Community Infrastructure Levy, the facilities are designed to improve health and drive up participation in outdoor and active play. They will include outdoor family adventure mini-golf; an indoor skytrail low ropes course for children aged seven and under; a café with indoor and outdoor seating; new toilet facilities for skytrail and café users and an outdoor education area that will also support Reading Play’s educational outreach work which includes using play as a tool to improve particularly vulnerable young people’s social skills and wellbeing.

The family 9-hole mini-golf will be designed to allow for wheelchair access and would be able to provide specialist accessible putting equipment. 

The council aims to submit a planning application for the project in late April, with the application going before Planning Committee for approval in the summer. 

Construction is anticipated to begin late summer.