Chandos Close Playzone Banbury
On 5 September 2025, Banbury welcomed its newest sports facility as the PlayZone at Chandos Close Sports Ground was officially declared open. The launch ceremony marked the culmination of months of planning and construction, bringing a high-quality, all-weather pitch to the Grimsbury neighbourhood.
The Chandos Close PlayZone was conceived to improve access to recreational sports in areas of local need, particularly in Grimsbury. The site part of Chandos Recreation Ground was chosen for its potential to complement existing green space and to fill a gap in sports infrastructure.
The project was delivered through a partnership among Banbury Town Council, Cherwell District Council, and the Football Foundation. The funding structure was:
This collaborative model ensured accountability, local involvement, and long-term sustainability.
Work on the Chandos PlayZone began in June 2025, with construction planned to last about 10 weeks.
Despite summer challenges, the team delivered the facility on time and on budget, meeting its target to open by the start of the school term. During construction, the site was transformed from an underused green space into a high-spec mini‑pitch, designed to be durable, weather-resistant, and versatile.
The Chandos Close PlayZone is more than just a football pitch. Key features include:
● All-weather surface – usable year-round regardless of rain
● Versatile for multiple sports – though football is the core use, the layout supports other sports too.
● Lighting & safety – well-lit, secure environment suitable for evening use
● Booking & activation plan – the facility is intended to be actively scheduled and managed to maximize community benefit.
● Complement to existing grass pitch – helps relieve pressure on existing fields
From 6 September 2025, local community groups, clubs, schools, and individuals can begin booking the facility.
The impact of the new PlayZone is multi‑fold:
● Health & Wellbeing: Encourages regular physical activity
● Social connection: A safe, inclusive place for people of different ages and backgrounds to gather and share in sport
● Youth development: Provides space for schools, clubs, and youth groups to train and compete
● Equity in access: Helps bridge the gap in areas with fewer sports facilities
● Local pride & ownership: Co‑designed and supported by local councils and residents.
Councillor Rob Pattenden, Portfolio Holder for Healthy Communities at Cherwell, said the PlayZone is “a fantastic investment in the health and wellbeing of Banbury communities … creates a safe and welcoming space for people of different backgrounds …”
Shaida Hussain, Chair of Banbury Town Council’s Resources Committee, commented on its utility for youth groups, clubs, and the broader community
Robert Sullivan, CEO of the Football Foundation, expressed optimism for the local pride it would bring and the hope that community members influenced its planning.
● Booking starts: from Saturday, 6 September 2025
● Who can book: local community groups, football clubs, schools, and individuals
● Contact / booking channels: via Banbury Town Council (email or via their website)
If you are a club, organisation, or local resident interested, visit www.banbury.gov.uk or email info@banbury.gov.uk for more details and to reserve time slots.
The Chandos Close PlayZone marks a significant step forward in Banbury’s community sports infrastructure. Its inclusive design, strong partnerships, and community focus set it up to become a hub for physical activity and social connection.
As local residents and organisations begin to use the facility, its true value will emerge whether through youth football sessions, inter‑community matches, or just informal sports gatherings.
Banbury’s local authorities and the Football Foundation hope this model will be replicated in other neighborhoods, expanding access to sport across the town. We encourage local clubs, schools, and residents to make full use of the PlayZone book early, get involved, and be part of the facility’s story.
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