Pavilion’s extension plans given £50k boost

TENS of thousands of pounds in lottery funding could help transform an old bowls pavilion into a community venue.

A Big Lottery Fund grant of £50,000 will contribute towards plans to further extend the Grange Pavilion in Grangetown, after a bid by Cardiff University’s Community Gateway project.

The pavilion, part of the wider Grange Gardens, has been used for community activities – including everything from gardening to a homework club – since June last year. Football training also takes place on the green.

But the Community Gateway project says it now wants to extend and renovate the pavilion and create a venue which could include features such as a cafe, offices and meeting places. The lottery funding will help those plans be developed.

Richard Powell, chairman of the Grange Pavilion Project residents’ group, welcomed the news and thanked everyone involved in the scheme so far, including Community Gateway, Cardiff council and the Rotary Club of Cardiff Bay.

And he added: “The biggest thanks has to go to all those Grangetown residents who came together, spent their precious time volunteering and offering invaluable encouragement and support.”

Ashley Lister, chairman of Grangetown Community Action – and a Labour candidate at May’s council elections – said the news increased the chances of the venue coming into community ownership.

“What makes this project special is the community drive behind it,” he said.

“Whether it’s for a community cafe, a meeting space or a vibrant community garden, Grange Pavilion is truly bringing communities together and I’d encourage residents to get in touch and get involved.”

Community Gateway works in Grangetown to develop the area and build links with the university.

Cardiff University’s director of engagement, Mhairi McVicar, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that our Grangetown-Cardiff University partnership has been awarded this grant, which will enable us to get even closer in supporting Grangetown communities make their visions for Grange Pavilion a reality.

“There’s a long way to go, but we look forward to continuing our support of Grangetown Community Action and Grange Pavilion Project through our research, teaching and volunteering partnerships in Grangetown.”

With the initial bid having been successful, the project will be invited to submit a more developed proposal for the second stage of funding, which could result in a grant of between £300,000 and £1.15m.