Council funding boost for major upgrades at pavilion

An application to secure funding for a major refurbishment of the King George V (KGV) Pavilion in Sarratt, which is held in trust by the KGV Charity, has taken one step closer after councillors sitting on the Three Rivers District Council Policy and Resources Committee in November gave their approval.

The KGV Pavilion in Sarratt was last refurbished in the 1980s.

Sarratt Parish Council as the custodian trustees of the KGV pavilion and playing fields applied for the funding to refurbish and extend the pavilion at the KGV Playing Fields. The improvements will include new male and female changing rooms, individual shower cubicles, a modernised kitchen/bar area, upgrades to the main hall area and increased storage.

The funding will come from the district council’s Community Infrastructure Levy pot – a charge on new developments within Three Rivers.

Several sports and community clubs and groups use the pavilion, including Sarratt Football Club and Youth Football Club, the Tennis Club, the Bowls Club, Mums and Toddlers Group and children’s school holiday clubs.

The project will cost approximately £395,000, with the parish council, the KGV Charity, and a local benefactor providing £10,000 each. A grant from the National Lottery of £7,750 has also been secured for the hall improvements. The parish council is actively pursuing further funding to achieve the target amount.

Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst, Leader of Three Rivers District Council, said: “I am delighted that the committee unanimously backed the parish council’s bid to provide a refurbished facility for the community. Sport and community facilities are very important to our residents and it’s very inspiring that a vast majority of residents strongly supported the proposal.”

Cllr Sarah Dobson, Chair of Sarratt Parish Council, said: “The KGV Pavilion is an essential and highly valued community facility in the village that is home to many of our sporting groups who need an up-to-date hub for training sessions, fixtures and matches at the playing fields.

“The last time the pavilion was refurbished was in the 1980s, so an upgrade is long overdue. Thanks to the funding and planning permission from Three Rivers District Council, a new fit-for-purpose pavilion can be a reality for our residents and those from further afield who come to play sport here and enjoy the other recreational facilities for many years to come.”

The funding will require final approval at a meeting of the Full Council on Tuesday 10 December.

PHOTO CAPTION 1:(From left)  Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst, Leader of Three Rivers District Council, Cllr Sarah Dobson, Chair of Sarratt Parish Council, and Tom Shurville from Sarratt Football Club standing in front of the King George V Pavilion in Sarratt

Photo Caption 2: (From left) Cllr Giles-Medhurst and Cllr Dobson shaking hands in front of the King George V pavilion with Tom Shurville.