Haydon Wick Parish Council was proud to officially open its new Grounds Maintenance Facility on Tuesday 28 July, welcoming residents, Leisure Garden plot holders, councillors and staff to celebrate this important milestone. The facility was officially opened by Swindon’s Mayor, Councillor Neil Hopkins, alongside Haydon Wick Parish Council Chairman, Councillor Vinay Manro. More than 50 guests attended the grand opening event, demonstrating the strong community interest in a project that has been years in the making.
A Celebration of a Long-Awaited Project
The opening event offered visitors the opportunity to explore the facility, learn about the project’s development and understand how the building will support the delivery of grounds maintenance services across the parish. Guests were invited to take part in guided tours led by Jason Watts, Facility and Operations Manager. Throughout the afternoon, Jason shared his extensive knowledge of the building and explained how the facility will improve operational efficiencies, support staff and enhance the Council’s ability to maintain parks, play areas and open spaces.
Why Was the Facility Needed?
Following the transfer of grounds maintenance services from Swindon Borough Council in 2017, Haydon Wick Parish Council’s Parks and Open Spaces Team continued to grow. The existing container-based accommodation at the Goodearl site was no longer suitable for the scale of operations required.
The new facility provides:
- Modern workshops and maintenance areas
- Secure storage for equipment and machinery
- Improved office and welfare facilities
- Dedicated operational space for the Parks and Open Spaces Team
- Infrastructure to support future operational growth
- Enhanced efficiency through the consolidation of staff, vehicles and equipment in one location
Sustainability at the Heart of the Project
Environmental sustainability has been a key consideration throughout the development of the facility.
Features include:
- 32 roof-mounted solar panels to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions
- Replacement tree planting programme
- Environmentally conscious building materials
- Reuse of furniture and materials where practical
- EV charging infrastructure included within the facility design
- Operational efficiencies that reduce unnecessary travel and support greener working practices
A Project Years in the Making
The project has been developed over several years, involving detailed planning, public consultation, design and construction. From the initial proposals in 2021 through to completion and full operation in 2026, the facility represents a significant investment in the future of Haydon Wick’s green spaces and community assets.
Looking Ahead
The Grounds Maintenance Facility provides a strong foundation for the future work of the Parks and Open Spaces Team. By providing modern, purpose-built accommodation and bringing staff, vehicles and equipment together in one location, the Council is better equipped to maintain and improve the parks, play areas and open spaces that residents enjoy every day.
Haydon Wick Parish Council would like to thank everyone who contributed to the development of the facility and all those who attended the official opening event to celebrate this important achievement.
