The pavilion in the recreation ground which is desperately in need of replacing. The pavilion is owned by the Council (as trustees) and leased to Bidborough Sports Association (BSA) who are a registered charity.
A Pavilion Development Group (PDG) has been put together by the BSA comprising:
Colin Barber, David Musker, Sarah Smith (for the BSA)
Rodger Poulsom (for the cricket club)
Karen Vidler (for the Council)
Chris Hollyoak (for the tennis club)
Chris Mortimer (for the bowls club)
Kerry Thorne (for the stool ball club)
Our thanks go to Colin Barber and David Musker (the trustees of the BSA) who have brought all parties to the table to push forward this refurbishment/ rebuild project. The aim of the PDG is to ensure that decisions made regarding the pavilion take into account all users of the recreation ground — and each club representative has been asked to cascade information down to their membership so they are kept in the loop regarding what is happening.
It is recognised that community engagement in this project will be key to its success therefore if you have any concerns or questions about the development please feel free to contact either Karen Vidler on karen@bidboroughpc.org.uk or Sarah Smith (who has been co-opted by the BSA trustees to act as project co-ordinator) on bidboroughpavilion@gmail.com.
So where are we now?
Over the Summer and into the Autumn, the PDG have been looking into a number of issues which need to be resolved before they can consider the build itself. These revolve around:
- the validity of the current lease
- the VAT implications of the build
- the terms of the original Deed of Gift
Whilst these thorny legal and tax issues are being dealt with, the PDG have agreed a brief for the new pavilion as follows:
1. Ideally the build itself will commence in Autumn 2025. The main impediment to this will be fund raising and it is recognised that Autumn 2026 is likely to be a more realistic build start date. The aim is to complete the works over one winter.
2. It is to be sited on the current site.
3. The development will be for the main pavilion only and not include any development of the bowls pavilion.
4. The 2016 plans that were approved will be the starting point for any discussion. These will be updated to incorporate the minimum requirements for sports pavilions and new building regulations.
5. The current pavilion will be demolished and rebuilt with the existing foundations retained and enlarged.
6. The new building will be 1 storey - if possible, a balcony will be incorporated into the building. Extensions to the side and back will be required.
7. Ideally, toilets will be accessible from the inside and externally (for other sports clubs use).
8. Disabled access to the building and across the rec will be incorporated.
9. Consideration will be given to energy efficiency.
10. The building must be self-financing.
Architect
The PDG have also been out to tender on the appointment of an architect who will design the new building and work with the PDG and building contractor to the completion of the project. Five companies were approached and we are very pleased to announce that the contract was awarded to AOMD, a local business based in Bidborough.
Michael Dillon is founding director of AOMD and moved to Bidborough with his wife and daughter in 2021. Shortly after moving to the community he established AOMD in 2022. The practice works on projects of all scales, from residential to public and cultural buildings, and specialises in community buildings with a strong emphasis on public consultation.
Prior to setting up AOMD, Michael worked for ten years at Mæ Architects. His last completed building, Sands End Arts and Community Centre, was a finalist in the 2022 RIBA Stirling Prize. It was voted London’s Building of the Year by the Royal Institute of British Architects alongside winning a RIBA national award.
Michael’s practice work is supported by his teaching at the University of Cambridge.
The PDG are looking forward to working alongside Michael to ensure it provides the facilities required by the sports clubs and other users of the recreation ground.
FUNDRAISING!
The timeline for the build will largely be dictated by fund raising as an ambitious six figure sum needs to be raised.
Sarah Smith will be overseeing the fund raising on behalf of the PDG, working alongside her father, Malcolm, who was significantly involved in fund raising for a community build prior to moving to Bidborough. We are also blessed that Katie Haylock and Sarah Carrick have agreed to continue fund raising as Friends of Bidborough (FoB) for the pavilion build.
As this build is for the benefit of the whole village, we would like the community to be involved as much as possible.
A ‘core’ fund raising group is being set up to organise events in and around Bidborough and each of the sports clubs will be represented, along with the council, FoB and the BSA. It would be great if others in the community would join so that it becomes a truly collaborative group. If you are interested in being involved then let us know by emailing bidboroughpavilion@gmail.com.
We hope to arrange the first meeting of the fund raising group late November/early December to swap ideas and agree a timetable.