DOWNEND’S new pavilion on King George V playing fields has been taken over by the parish council.
Avonmouth-based contractors Wernick handed over the modular building to the council on April 11, and parish clerk Kevin Spratt said it is expected to be “fully operational” before the end of the month.
An official opening event is expected to take place soon, although an opening date had not been confirmed as the Voice went to print.
The opening will complete a project which was first mooted eight years ago, and is expected to cost around £1.25 million once it is complete, including around £735,000 for the building itself plus landscaping, an upgraded car park and new storage units for sports equipment.
The new building will include changing facilities that meet Sport England requirements for accessibility and child safeguarding, plus meeting rooms, office space and a recreational area that can be used by the community.
It is being funded by the parish council, the Football Foundation and a loan to meet increased costs, applied for after a public consultation and impassioned debate at council meetings.
There have already been enquiries from people, groups and businesses about booking rooms at the pavilion – anyone who is interested in hire of the facilities can email clerk@dbhparishcouncil.co.uk or call 0117 956 7001.
Parish council news: Page 13