An open day was staged at Whitelands Farm Sports Ground, Bicester, to showcase the new facilities following handover by J Tomlinson.

The firm has recently completed a new sports pavilion at the site, to service the pitches at the sports ground, where a wheelchair-friendly track for cycling and running, and outdoor fitness equipment, were already available to the public.

The pavilion includes changing facilities, a kiosk, licensed bar, kitchen and function room.

Cherwell District Council’s leader, Cllr Barry Wood, who attended the launch event and welcomed residents who visited the pavilion, said: “The opening of this sports ground is another great milestone for Bicester and it’s another big step towards our aim to make the whole town an even better place to live, work and play.

“Whitelands Farm provides more space for residents to get active and makes it easier for them to exercise outdoors. It adds more capacity for Bicester’s sports clubs enhancing the offer of team sports for people of all ages.

“What’s more, we expect the pavilion to host many community events and offer more opportunities for residents to meet other people which will help us to tackle social isolation.”

The tour inside the pavilion attracted many visitors interested in learning more about services available for the community.

Martin Gallagher, managing director (construction) of J Tomlinson, said: “This £3.2m design and build project was our first for Cherwell District Council and we are delighted to hear that the launch event was a success.”