New Pavilion at River Park given the go ahead
Councillors at Winchester City Council's Cabinet on 15 October have given approval for the replacement of the pavilion at River Park.
The current pavilion has become run down over the years and has reached the stage where it needs to be replaced.
Across Winchester district, there is a rich cricket heritage and investment in this facility further cements the district as a home for cricket. However, recognising it’ll be an asset for community groups beyond cricket, Cabinet agreed that it would be called River Park Pavilion to reflect this wider use and community benefit. The facility could also be used for other activities such as yoga classes, children’s parties and overflow facilities for the rugby club, and park run.
The funding approved at the meeting, reflects a total investment of £2.3 million which includes capital funding from the city council, £1.5 million from district community infrastructure levy and contributions from the Town Forum, The Pavilion Project and grant funding. Cabinet approved the budget recognising that further delay would only increase costs further and that a facility like this is much needed for the residents across the district who use the park.
Winchester City Council Cllr Kathleen Becker, Cabinet Member for Community and Engagement, said:
‘I am so pleased that we will see this much anticipated and important community project come to fruition– it’ll be a much-used high quality facility for a number of district clubs and the local community. I’m particularly pleased that the plans mean the new pavilion will be fully accessible and will also have usable female toilets helping remove barriers for people with disabilities and women and girls being able to actively participate in sport and activities. I have no doubt that this will be a valued community asset, helping create stronger, healthier communities serving everyone across the district and I look forward to seeing its completion.’