Twyford

Following the summer’s announcement of Wokingham District Council’s leisure, sport and recreation strategy, plans are being developed to improve the quality of facilities offered to visitors at Dinton Pastures Country Park, Hurst.

The council is looking at all activities currently offered on the site, including the Hurst country park, golf course and catering facilities with the aim of finding ways to ensure that it is meeting the needs of all of its customers, and potential customers, in the best way, whilst making the optimum use of the resources available.

To this end, on Thursday January 25, the council’s decision-making executive is being asked to consider bringing the running of the golf course and café in-house. If given the go-ahead, the plan is to centralise the catering facilities in one building (where the Tea Cosy Café is at the moment) and update the facilities to include an improved seating area, better serving area and providing two new heated and covered outdoor areas, with patios. A licensed bar would also be installed, offering customers the opportunity to enjoy a glass of wine or beer, if they wish to.

The Hurst golf course would be renumbered to start and finish close to the café, with easier access to the practice area and plans to install new practice nets.

The new facilities would cater for both golfers and café users, with their own dedicated areas. Offering improvements in service to both groups, it is intended that the combined facilities will provide a more efficient and effective service and significantly improve the income generated by the café and golf course.

Countryside service team leader Chris Buggy said: “The council is looking at its leisure and recreation centres across the district and considering how it can improve them for the future. Should the executive give the proposals the green light, we are planning to update Dinton Pastures’ catering facilities, bring them together and offer improved surroundings with increased overall seating area, a better layout, longer opening hours for café users and locally-produced food.

“Anyone wanting to find out more can see the displays at the Country Park or the clubhouse at Hurst Golf Course and pick up a question and answer leaflet, or visit the council website at www.wokingham.gov.uk.”

There are longer-term aspirations for further improvements in future years. Subject to future council decisions and funding, these could include making the planned catering arrangements permanent with a full extension to the building.

The council is also looking at the activities provided at the park with a view to improving the range of water activities.

Executive member for corporate services Cllr Rob Stanton said: “We really need to be making the most of the opportunities on offer at Dinton Pastures, so that we have a firm foundation for plans for the future. Should these proposals for changes to the catering facilities get the go-ahead, I hope that visitors to the Park will start to see improvements almost immediately.”

If the executive approves the proposals, it is anticipated that building work will begin in February, with the aim of having the new facilities in place in April.

Wokingham District Council ~ Hurst