 Build for new sixth form in Arborfield begins
Work on a new sixth form at Bohunt Wokingham in Arborfield will soon be under way after ground was broken earlier this month.
The new centre, called Bohunt Wokingham Sixth (BW6) is expected to open in September 2026 and will provide 300 places for post-16 students.
This will improve educational opportunities in the rural south of Wokingham Borough, which currently lacks a sixth form.
We’re contributing financially towards the project, as is the Bohunt Education Trust, and the works will be completed in partnership.
The school has also agreed to provide 150 additional places in years 7 to 11, plus extra support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.
Bohunt Wokingham opened in 2016 and was funded by developer contributions, as part of our commitment to provide amenities alongside new housing.
It was the first newly-built secondary in the borough in 50 years.
 Huge response to new supermarket jobs call
A new Sainsbury's supermarket is opening off Nine Mile Ride Extension in Arborfield Green next month, and we've been helping to staff it.
More than 200 people attended a recruitment event which we supported, where they could learn more about roles and fill out applications.
The event was also attended by the Department for Work and Pensions, who gave advice around benefits for people moving into work.
Our My Journey Wokingham and community engagement teams were there to talk about sustainable travel and any other local issues.
We were pleased with the turnout, which was much higher than expected, and look forward to the store's grand opening on Thursday, 21 August.
Vacancies at this store, or any other Sainsbury's branches, will be advertised on the company's jobs portal.
 Supermarket launch is just the beginning
The new Sainsbury's will be part of a wider district centre for the area with shops, green space, pedestrianised areas and more.
Work is starting on this now the site has been sold, with the first high street units to be completed next year at the earliest.
There could also be a pub as there is a suitable plot and an operator has shown interest, but nothing is agreed and this would need separate planning permission.
The scheme includes a community centre and we're in discussions with the developer and community representatives about the next steps.
We're still seeking to provide it on land next to Arborfield Green Leisure Centre but are exploring several possible options for bringing it forward.
As soon as we have more news, we'll share it in this newsletter. In the meantime, the existing community centre will remain available until the new one is ready.
 A simple diagram of the upcoming sports hub. You can view all plans and drawings on the application linked below
Sports hub plans all set for kick-off
Cala Homes' plan includes a senior 11-a-side grass sports pitch and artificial all-weather sports pitch, plus a sports pavilion and an informal kick-about area.
The pavilion will be single-storey with a club room, kitchen, store rooms, accessible toilets, two changing areas and rooms for match officials.
This scheme also includes a play area with a bike track, activity trail and playground, and an allotments site with community space and 83 plots of different sizes.
It will be built on land north of Park Lane, subject to legal agreements including contributions towards local bus improvements.
As part of a separate application, assessed at the same time, Cala also has permission for 48 new homes immediately to the north.
 Leisure centre to repeat popular running course
We're offering more weekly running sessions at Arborfield Green Leisure Centre to help people build their fitness and get into regular exercise.
Our last My Way to 5K course, run by Places Leisure with My Journey Wokingham's support, was so popular that we couldn't take everyone who applied.
We don't want to leave anyone out, so we're looking to run them again and want you to let us know what the most convenient times and days are.
They'll offer a friendly, gentle way to build up to running 5km, with both adult (16 and over) and family (11 and over) sessions at Arborfield Green.
Respond to the survey and we can let you know when timings are confirmed.
The leisure centre, off Nine Mile Ride Extension, is part of the developer-funded infrastructure that serves this area.
 New pitches and more taking shape at Arborfield Green
As we reported in our previous newsletter, an extensive improvement of the sports facilities at Arborfield Green including a new pavilion is also under way.
The existing pitches are now fenced off, initially for archaeological surveys before main works begin, and we thank residents for their patience.
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