Plans for community sports hub

The proposals include the demolition of out-dated existing buildings on the site in Days Park, De Moulham Road.

Dorset Council has received the application from Swanage Town Council which says the changes will result in the loss of 13 of the existing 17 spaces, if approved, although two spaces will be added for disabled parking with ten cycle spaces.

The plans for the new building have been drawn up by Poole-based Lionel Gregory Architects which said in the planning application to Dorset Council: “The proposal involves the replacement of the existing outdated and unserviceable facility with a 4-court Sports Hall incorporating changing/club rooms and club facilities for Swanage Town and Herston Football Club, a fitness room, creche and other supporting accommodation.

The existing building to be demolished (Image: Supplied) The new facility, which will be erected fully in accordance with Sports England design guidance, will provide a high-quality new facility for The Football Club, many other sports clubs and the local community in general.”

The plans include a first floor club room with bar and kitchen, together with a reception area and office space on the ground floor.

The proposed new building (Image: Supplied) The architects say the proposed new building has been designed as a simple steel portal frame which will enable rapid erection with the height and general form of the proposal will be similar to the existing building, clad in a combination of facing brickwork and insulated composite cladding using darker colours to ensure that, when seen from a distance, the building is inconspicuous within the background of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty landscape.

Previous public consultation exercises, the first held in 2019, broadly welcomed the plans to demolish and re-build on the site although the new building design has been scaled back since it was first proposed for cost reasons.

Public comments on the proposal, 2024/05922, remain open until November 29 with comments able to be made on the Dorset Council website.