Demolition kick-starts pavilion transformation

Demolition of the Spearpoint Pavilion is well under way after bulldozers moved in last week.

The decaying Kennington building is being knocked down to make way for a brand new sports centre, costing nearly £1 million.

Workers have been knocking down the old building since last Wednesday.

Cllr Jessamy Blanford, Ashford Borough Council portfolio holder for culture, leisure and environment, said: “I am delighted at long last we are being able to take our first step to build the new pavilion.

“It is something I know all local people have wanted for a long time. ABC members have worked very hard to make this happen, and I really think that such an important sports area will be very much used.

“The existing pavilion is 50 years old and really lets the side down when it comes to play in Ashford, so this is an important project for Kennington and the borough.”

The initiative was rescued by ABC cabinet members last year, when it received a vital cash injection in the face of a £49,000 shortfall.

The project was granted a further £130,000 on top of the £160,000 already earmarked, and the remaining £620,000 is due to come from the Football Foundation.

The new building will have modern facilities, including a new kitchen and eight male and female changing rooms.

Recently, the pavilion has only been used to provide basic changing rooms, but the new facilities will be designed to Football Asso- ciation standards.

The new layout neatly aligns the building with the sports pitch and allows for extra parking on site.

Community groups can also hire the function room for events or meetings.

What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford, TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk

Picture: Paul Amos FM4211244/FM3360048 The Old Spearpoint Pavilion in the process of being demolished earlier this week, and - below - how the building used to look