MINIGOLF, archery, and a cafe are all part of plans for an activity centre at Prospect Park that have now been submitted.

The proposal from the council, submitted on May 7, aims 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.

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The council’s Policy committee approved the plans at a meeting in February.

The council sought pre-application planning advice from planning officers, who said the plans would be “accepted in principle” but further information would be required on areas such as car parking, the mini-golf’s fencing and protecting the veteran trees behind the pavilion.

Councillor Karen Rowland, lead member for culture, heritage and recreation, said the plans include “many new and exciting options” for the town.

She said it will support young and vulnerable people and also supports the council’s climate strategy “with the creative regeneration of buildings”.

Cllr Rowland said the charge will be “modest”.

The charges planned are:

  • Ropes Adventure area – £4.00
  • Family Adventure Golf – £4.00 with family/group tickets available for two rounds of a nine-hole course
  • Climbing educational area – £4.00

Councillor Graeme Hoskin, lead member for Health, Sport and Wellbeing, said the plans can help the park become a hub of activity and more friendly environment.

The proposal includes:

  • Skytrail ropes course
  • Family nine-hole minigolf with wheelchair access
  • Archery, portable climbing wall and team building activities
  • Café
  • Multi-function indoor space for parties and meetings
Prospect Park outdoor activity centre plans

Prospect Park outdoor activity centre plans

Cllr Hoskin said the park – “already fantastic and the best in the town” – has been “crying out for a café”.

And Conservative councillor Jane Stanford-Beale said the plan would be “something fantastic on the doorstep”.

If approved, the 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 nine-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.

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RBC hopes to complete the works by November if the plans are approved.

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.