Published on
2 July 2025
New leaseholder of Cantley Park pavilion and football pitches announced
Berks & Bucks FA is set to take over the running of pavilion and football pitches in 10-year agreement
A new leaseholder is being appointed to operate the pavilion and football pitches at Cantley Park in Wokingham town.
Wokingham Borough Council is in the process of appointing Berks & Bucks Football Association (FA) following resident feedback earlier this year. The council had explored ways to address the site’s ongoing financial losses and has worked with users to find a better solution.
Leasing the site to Berks & Bucks FA, a respected not-for-profit organisation with strong local roots, offers a sustainable way to invest in the park’s future. The organisation brings specialist expertise and a commitment to improve the quality of the pitches, improve customer experience and maintain affordability for current users.
Subject to contracts, Berks & Bucks FA will begin operating the facilities later this year, which also includes the café, Ashridge room and the changing facilities.
“I am pleased to see Cantley Park is going to be given a new lease of life under Berks & Bucks Football Association,” said Cllr Mark Ashwell, executive member for economic development, sport, leisure and the arts.
“Our national sport of football’s association seeing the potential in Wokingham Borough is a massive boost for Cantley Park and for our Borough as a whole.”
Jon Wood, head of delivery at Berks & Bucks FA, said: “Our desire to operate Cantley Park, goes beyond maintaining a successful facility. The vision for this facility is for it to become a hub for the community and aid us in connecting people and changing lives.
“We very much look forward to working with the existing clubs and users of the site and will be engaging with them in due course.”
Berks & Bucks FA delivers work surrounding grassroots football, including education courses, competition delivery, partnership working and discipline.
The organisation is keen to link in with wider community events that already take place on the site such as the Wokingham Carnival and Wokingham Fireworks Spectacular as well as exploring options to host community events for residents in the future.
Up until now the grounds of Cantley Park have been operated by Wokingham Borough Council. The move forms part of the Communities Vision 2035 to improve recreational facilities in the area.
