Council approves £3.3m worth of investment in community facility
At last night’s council meeting, councillors approved additional funding of £1m to provide a new pavilion for King George V recreation ground.
The proposed pavilion will replace two out-dated, underused and inaccessible pavilions with a single larger, accessible, modern facility, that encompasses a number of energy saving measures to make the pavilion greener and more sustainable. It will also add to the hub of high-quality sports and community facilities around the new Winchester Sport and Leisure Park.
The new pavilion will support the continued development of grass roots cricket and football in the district, and in particular the recent growth of women’s and girls’ football. The facility will also include a club room, that can be used by community groups for a wide range of activities, including social events and meetings.
The additional funding is being provided in response to recent significant increases in the cost of materials and construction. The Football Foundation have also provided a grant towards the funding of the new pavilion. We anticipate that work will commence on the pavilion shortly with completion before the end of 2023.
Cllr Paula Ferguson Deputy leader and Cabinet member for Community and Housing says:
“I am delighted that we have approved the additional funding for this new, modern, accessible and greener pavilion and that work can now get underway. While we recognise this is a significant investment by the Council, it reaffirms our commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of our residents.
"Hundreds of people come from across the district come to play cricket and football on the King George V playing fields, and the playing fields are home to many local teams - including Winchester City Flyers, one of the UK’s largest female grass roots football clubs. The new pavilion will support these clubs and the continued development and growth of grassroots sport in the Winchester district. It will also provide an important new community space which will benefit local residents, and we are proud to be able to support this project."