17/09/2025: Council allocates almost £300,000 to enhance leisure facilities in Watton

Breckland Council has allocated almost £300,000 to help deliver a range of projects to boost leisure and recreation facilities in Watton.

The money is helping to pay for the resurfacing of a local hockey pitch, the installation of new basketball facilities, refurbishing toilets and a play area, and the launch of a new Junior Park Run in the town.

The money comes from developers who have recently built additional homes in the area. As with many new home developments, a condition of their planning permission was that they were required to provide a financial contribution to enhancing local leisure facilities. Breckland Council is the administrator of the funding.

Watton Sports Centre was allocated £108k to support the creation of the recently-opened Watton Skate Park. The money was secured from Bennett PLC, the developer of the former RAF radar site on Norwich Road. A further £88k was provided by Barratt David Wilson Homes, the developer behind the 180 homes built on Thetford Road.

The Thetford Road developer also contributed to a number of other schemes, including £80,657 to resurface the hockey pitch at Watton Sports Centre.

Other projects included:

• £7,400 to Watton Town Council to refurbish the play area on Bridle Road
• £1,800 towards the start-up costs for the Junior Park Run at Watton Sports Centre
• £6,500 for the refurbishment of the reception toilets at Watton Sports Centre, ensuring accessibility for all visitors
• £4,163 for the Loch Neaton Charity to install an outdoor all-weather basketball hoop set, seating, and litter bins at the Old Bowling Green site

Cllr Paul Hewett, Executive Member for Property, Projects and Procurement, said: "It is great to see the positive impact new developments can have on local residents of all ages. The financial contributions made by developers in our district helps to further enhance community activities ensuring both our residents and our businesses can thrive. These recreational spaces will be used and enjoyed by all for years to come."

Cllr Claire Bowes, Cllr Keith Gilbert and Cllr Tina Kiddell, Ward Members for Watton, added: "We are excited to see the investment into community facilities in Watton. As the town grows through the local developments there is more need than ever to provide outdoor spaces for all to enjoy, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on our community. We would also like to thank the Breckland Youth Advisory Board (YAB) who have worked closely with councillors to help implement the new skate park, their input has been invaluable."

To find out more about Section 106 agreements, visit the S106 page on Breckland Website.