Cotswold district set for nearly £1m investment in sport, community spaces, and cycling

Funding has been approved for a new all-weather sports pitch in Fairford, essential roof repairs at Redesdale Hall in Moreton-in-Marsh, and new cycle parking along the Cotswold National Cycle Network to support safer, more accessible travel. 

Councillor Juliet Layton, cabinet member for housing and planning, said the Council was proud to support all three projects. “By strengthening these facilities, we are futureproofing our communities,” she said.  

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a charge placed on development, such as new homes. The money generated through the levy contributes to the funding of infrastructure to support development growth in Cotswold District.   

The largest investment is in a new full-size, all weather 3G football pitch at Farmor’s school in Fairford which will benefit budding footballers, rugby enthusiasts, and schoolchildren across the district.   

The project will deliver a World Rugby compliant surface on the grounds of Farmor’s School - the first facility of its kind in the district. 

Local clubs say the new pitch in Fairford will transform grassroots sport in the town. Lorna Pugh, the chair at Fairford Rugby Club, said the facility will be a huge benefit to current players and future generations. At present, teams must travel to neighbouring towns and villages due to the lack of high-quality pitches in Fairford.  

“The new state-of-the-art facility will mean Fairford people are drawn back to Fairford,” she said. “People love the town and what it stands for, and they want to play for their local team, but with the facilities we have now, that just isn’t possible.” 

Fairford Rugby Club currently operates senior men’s and women’s teams, walking rugby, and some youth provision. Girls and boys play together in the younger age groups, but the lack of suitable facilities means the club cannot offer a girls’ team once players reach age 12.  

“We would love to have a full programme for girls so they can progress into our women’s team when they reach senior level,” Lorna added. “This new pitch could finally make that possible.” 

Adam Sloman, chair of Fairford Youth Football Club (FYFC) - whose teams travel as far as Swindon in search of suitable training pitches for their 20 teams – agreed the new facility would make a huge difference. 

“Our club is made up of 300 children who all want to play football locally,” he said. “A significant amount of time and money is spent renting pitches outside Fairford.  

“Having a high-quality local facility means we can reinvest that money back into our community, our club, and our players.” 

The pitch will also provide a reliable, year round training and playing space for Fairford Cricket Club, Fairford Netball Club, and for school PE lessons and extracurricular activities.  

It is hoped construction will begin in summer 2026, with the pitch scheduled to open for community and school use in September 2026. 

Councillor Layton said: “We’re proud to be promoting health and wellbeing in Fairford by making sure people have access to high‑quality facilities close to home. Maximising opportunities for sport and education will help ensure grassroots sport across the district continues to thrive.” 

Emma White, Deputy Head at Farmor’s school, said: "We are extremely grateful to Cotswold District Council for their support of this project, which will quite literally be a game-changer for our students and the community as a whole.  

“We are excited to increase provision for girls' football and rugby and to be working so closely with local clubs to improve opportunities for all age groups. What began a year ago as an ambitious dream has shown how community groups working together can achieve amazing things."  

Alongside the Fairford pitch, the council is also investing CIL funding in new cycle parking along the Cotswold National Cycle Network. Stands and secure cycle storage will be installed in key towns including Cirencester, Tetbury, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Moreton-in-Marsh, making it easier and safer for people to travel by bike.  

The scheme will support healthier lifestyles, improve access to local centres and help reduce congestion and carbon emissions by encouraging more short journeys to be made by cycle. 

The third scheme to win funding is vital repairs to Redesdale Hall in Moreton-in-Marsh, the town’s main community building and a prominent historic landmark. Funding will help address serious roof defects, prevent water damage and improve the building’s appearance and thermal performance, ensuring it remains safe and fit for use.  

The works will safeguard an important venue for community groups, cultural events and local services, while restoring pride in a key feature of the High Street and supporting the town’s visitor economy and long-term vitality.