Funding approved for new Shrivenham sports pavilion
A brand-new sports pavilion will be built in Shrivenham, using funds raised by the Vale of White Horse District Council from local housing developments.
The funding was approved at a full council meeting on 10 February. The money comes from S106 agreements made with developers when they were granted planning permission for new homes in the village.
More than 400 new homes have already been built, putting additional pressure on demand for the existing community building – The Viscountess Barrington Memorial Hall. The Grade II listed building, built in 1925, is regularly used as a sports hall, caters for a range of social events and supports many local clubs and societies.
The new pavilion will provide improved facilities for the village cricket club, along with a host of other sports clubs. The larger space will be especially helpful for organisations like Scouts and Guide groups, whilst the older hall will continue to be used by community groups.
The project is also being funded by £100,000 from a benefactor of the cricket club and a grant of £15,000 from the Garfield Weston Foundation.
Cllr Judy Roberts, Cabinet member for Development and Infrastructure, said: “This is a prime example of S106 money being used to provide facilities in growing communities. The planned new sports pavilion complements the existing hall, without detracting from the older building’s historic value.
“Building healthy communities is one of the priorities in our Corporate Plan. I am delighted that this project will help Shrivenham’s community stay healthy and active and help provide a fit-for-purpose community space for generations to come.”
Cllrs Elaine Ware and Simon Howell, the members for Watchfield and Shrivenham, are pleased that the community are benefitting from funding raised by housing development.
Cllr Ware said: “This is great news for Shrivenham. With the expansion of the village it is essential that amenities continue to grow and keep pace with the increasing number of residents.”
Cllr Howell added: “Shrivenham Parish Council and local residents are delighted that the funding has been approved and are looking forward to the construction work commencing in the spring.”
Shrivenham parish council member, Bjorn Watson, said: “The Shrivenham Parish Council warmly welcomes the news that the Sports Pavilion has been approved by the District Council. To quote a Shrivenham resident:
‘A multi-purpose recreational facility relieving the pressure on the existing Memorial Hall will be greatly valued and greatly used. At present my use of the existing hall is restricted because it is fully booked day and night.’
“Construction is due to start in April and by the end of October our community will be able to celebrate having a brand-new sports facility to enhance the enjoyment of our precious Recreation Ground.”
Photo: A’Bear & Ball Architects
