The construction of a new football facility near Chandos Close in Grimsbury has started this week.
Published: Friday, 13th June 2025
It is being delivered in partnership between by Cherwell District Council, Banbury Town Council and the Football Foundation.
Ground was broken on Monday at the Chandos Recreation Ground, beginning a period of construction that is due to last around 10 weeks.
Located on the currently unused green space within the recreation ground, the PlayZone is due to be ready for use in September. A brand-new mini pitch, it will be primarily used for football, but the versatility of these facilities means that it will also have the potential to be used for other sports.
PlayZones are designed to offer social, physical and health benefits to the people who use them. They serve as an excellent opportunity for local residents to get involved with friends, local teams, or schools and clubs while developing their skills as players and teammates.
The pitches are part of the national PlayZone Programme run by the Football Association, the facility aims to help tackle inequality in physical activity and access to facilities. 75 per cent of the funding for the project has been provided by the Football Foundation. The district council is providing the other 25 per cent through Section 106 funding, with Banbury Town Council providing the land at Chandos Recreation Ground allowing the facility to be constructed. Banbury Town Council is also providing ongoing revenue support through the continued management and maintenance of the PlayZones so they can be used for years to come.
Councillor Rob Pattenden, Cherwell District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Healthy Communities said: “I’m really pleased to see these new facilities coming to Banbury. As someone who’s passionate about creating opportunities for local residents, especially children, to enjoy sport and stay active, these pitches will be a fantastic asset to our community.”
Councillor Shaida Hussain, Town Councillor for Grimsbury and Chairman of Banbury Town Council’s Resources Committee, said: “The PlayZone we’re establishing in partnership with the Football Foundation and Cherwell District Council at the Chandos Recreation Ground is a state-of-the-art facility designed for groups of all ages and backgrounds. It has been designed from the ground up for amateur squads and established teams alike, and we’re excited to see the talented players of present and future whose skills it helps to develop upon completion.”
PlayZones are designed and constructed based on the needs of local areas and priority groups – the communities that PlayZones are intended to benefit. These include lower socio-economic groups, women and girls, disabled people and people with long-term health conditions, and ethnically diverse communities.
PlayZones also include features that are deemed important by these groups according to research and insight. PlayZones are safe and welcoming, well-lit, and come with activation plans and booking facilities in place. Booking out the pitch will be a necessity, and help to keep the PlayZone in an active rotation of the groups who will benefit from it the most.