FUNDING has been granted to revamp a pavilion and create a new community cafe in Poole.
A grant worth £130,000 has been awarded to kickstart the venture in Alexandra Park in Penn Hill.
This work, due to be completed in Spring next year, will include fitting a plumbing system, kitchen and toilets.
The derelict pavilion will also benefit from improved disabled access and, a facelift.
The Parks Foundation charity, in collaboration with ward councillors Tony O’Neill and Bryan Dion, secured the funding from the Community Infrastructure Levy funds from BCP Council.
Cathi Farrer, chief executive of the foundation, said: “Our charity is really excited to have raised these much-needed funds to help bring this pavilion back to life.
“Alexandra Park is a beautiful Victorian park, and the pavilion is crying out to become a much-loved community facility.
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“Building on the community park café we opened at Winton Recreation Ground in 2019, we can’t wait to open this neighbourhood facility and improve the amenities in the park.
“We’ll be creating opportunities for people to volunteer in the café, which provides an excellent opportunity for people to give back to their community.”
Penn Hill resident and ward councillor Tony O’Neill added: “We are delighted to have been able to work with so many residents and officials in the development of this project and to finally get the pavilion open again.
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“Our application was fully supported by the many residents of Penn Hill and Alexandra Park together with Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick, Dorset Neighbourhood Policing, ASB and CSAS teams and local Street Pastors Paul and Hilary Hockley, Vale Road Residents Association which shows just how many local people want to see it happen.”
The Parks Foundation is currently delivering nature-based activities in the park such as ‘GreenFingers’ a volunteer group that maintains the green space, Nature Tots for toddlers and their carers and Park Life family-friendly events to inspire residents about the local wildlife that’s on their doorstep.
The Parks Foundation will be working with Cllr O’Neill to raise further cash to revamp the pavilion, formerly a bowling club lodge, and the surrounding green space.
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