PEOPLE are being encouraged to give their views on plans for improved and additional sports facilities at a key Basingstoke sports complex.

As one of the borough’s flagship sports and leisure facilities, Down Grange is extremely well used and valued by residents and visitors to the area.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, which owns the complex, says that there are many sports clubs, groups and individuals who use the complex, in Pack Lane, which has an athletics track, rugby pitches, astro-turf, a croquet lawn and open space.

Three of the bigger clubs – Basingstoke and Mid Hants Athletic Club, Basingstoke Hockey Club and Basingstoke Rugby Club – have recorded increases in membership and continued success within their selected sports over the past two years, and are now looking to make further improvements.

To meet the demand and to compete at the highest level possible, all three clubs have put forward plans for enhanced playing or clubhouse facilities, including a new artificial hockey pitch, conversion of the existing grass pitch into a 4G rubber crumb surface at the rugby club, and a new spectator stand alongside the athletics track.

The clubs have drawn up plans to demonstrate their proposals and, working together with the council, are now seeking the views of residents and users of Down Grange on these.

The plans can be viewed and feedback given during three events organised on:

  • Thursday, December 4 – 6pm to 9pm at the Maidenwell Pavilion, Down Grange, Basingstoke.
  • Friday, December 5 – noon to 2.30pm at The Malls Shopping Centre, Basingstoke
  • Sunday, December 14 – 10am to noon at Basingstoke Rugby Club, Pack Lane, Basingstoke.

Alternatively, people can have their say by filling in an online survey at basingstoke.gov.uk/go/downgrange. The consultation will run until Monday, December 22.

Councillor Cathy Osselton, cabinet member for partnerships, said: “We have such fantastic sports facilities in the borough and so many active clubs who want to grow and offer more activities for people of all ages.

“This is a chance for residents and users of Down Grange to have their say on the proposals by the clubs to further improve the facilities at Down Grange.”