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Published on Friday 03 December 2021

Residents and visitors to Fernheath playing fields are going to be noticing a big change in the coming days, with the demolition of the existing changing rooms taking place today (Friday 3 December). Work on a new single storey changing pavilion, café and community space to replace the existing end-of-life building will start in January.

With funding from BCP Council Futures Fund and a Community Infrastructure Levy, alongside a grant from the Football Foundation and other third party contributions secured by Fernheath Community Sports Association who lease the buildings from the council, this community asset will improve the sports offering for local residents and everyone who uses this recreation space.

Councillor Laurence Fear, Lead Member for Wellbeing and Ward Councillor for Fernheath, who has been instrumental in this project said:

"Fernheath Pavilion is a huge asset to the local community providing green open space for sports clubs, runners, dog walkers and families who use the playing fields on a daily basis, so I’m delighted that work is finally underway to demolish the old building and replace it with a modern offering that everyone can benefit from.

"Creating a new café and community space will increase the number of people using this valuable space. It’s well known that going outside in our parks and open spaces can help improve people’s mental health and wellbeing, so I’m very much looking forward to seeing the progress made on this project.

"I would also like to thank Steve and Maura Mowlem and all those from Fernheath Community Sports Association for their hard work in bringing this venture forward."

Steve Mowlem, Chairman of Fernheath Community Sports Association, said:

"We are delighted that the rebuild is about to start. The planning for the building started at least 5 years ago so to finally get to this stage is very exciting, both for ourselves and for all those people that have used Fernheath for activities over the years. We have some neighbours tell us they played football on the field over 50 years ago and will happily reminisce with us when passing on their walks around the field.

"FCSA would like to thank all our funders for their generosity and offers of help and even though it’s going to be a "cold" 6 months without the building, we’re sure it will be well worth it in the end.’’

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