AFTER 10 years of planning and delays a hockey club has celebrated moving into new facilities.
Ganger Farm Sports Park has finally opened in Romsey, following a two-year delay due to issues with the design before ownership was exchanged to the Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC)
The facilities, equipped with multiple football, rugby and hockey pitches as well as an exercise studio and an outdoor gym, opened on Monday, September 12. The launch was a scaled down affair due to the country being in mourning. TVBC is in the process of re-arranging the formal opening.
READ MORE: Ganger Farm Sports Park in Romsey taken over by Test Valley Borough Council
Nevertheless, Romsey Hockey Club (RHC) members were pleased to welcome people to ‘pick up a stick’ at the opening on Monday and play their first matches at their new home on Saturday, September 17.
Previously the hockey club has been using Romsey School as its main base meaning teams has to travel to a local pub for post-match socials.
Vice chair Stuart Robertson said: “What’s really attractive to us is that we can play, shower, have teas and watch the following matches from the balcony all at the same venue. Which should attract new members but also retain members.
“As a club we’re always wanting to move forward and Ganger Farm represents the next step for Romsey Hockey Club.
"It’s been fantastic to see so many people come down and try hockey for the first time and there’s been a real buzz around the new facilities. We’re really impressed by the quality of the sports park and are so excited about what the next few years could bring for us as a club.”
The Ganger Farm Sports Park is part of the Kings Chase housing development, between Romsey and Braishfield, where 275 new homes have been built for more affordable living.
Romsey Hockey Club first became involved in the plans for Ganger Farm in 2012. David Wilson Homes engaged with Romsey’s sports community and much of the final design has been influenced by the clubs that will be using them.
Stuart added: “We have a drawing from 2014 that shows the new complex in pretty much the same design as has finally turned into reality. It has been 10 years of hard work from all of those involved but the final outcome is amazing."
Deputy leader of the Test Valley Borough Council, Cllr Nick Adams-King, said: “I’m delighted that the initial feedback from the hockey club is positive. It’s been a long journey to this point, but I am sure a worthwhile one as it’s a wonderful addition to our sports facilities in Romsey."
The new sports pavilion isn’t fully complete with Romsey Rugby Club yet to move in and the clubhouse and bar area still being developed.
Meanwhile, the hockey club will be playing and training at the Kings Chase venue on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, with matches on Saturdays and junior training on Sundays. RHC is always looking for new members, for more go to https://romseyhockey.org.uk.
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The site, opened in time for the winter season, includes adult and junior football pitches, rugby pitches and an astro-turf. The pavilion includes changing rooms, bar facilities, studio space and balconies that overlook the pitches, and will be host to regular fixtures, training, weekly Parkruns and other clubs.
For more go to testvalley.gov.uk/communityandleisure/sportsandactivities/sportleisurefacilities/ganger-farm.
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