Pavilion finally open after three-year wait
YEARS of waiting for community facilities at Jasmine Park has ended with the handover of keys for the pavilion.
This means all the community facilities at Jasmine Park – which includes a play area, pavilion and two all weather pitches – are open for the first time since they were built in 2013, following months of dispute between developer Taylor Wimpey and Cheshire East Council.
The play area was open for a short time in early 2013 but was then shut off for a health and safety issue.
There then followed months of wrangling between the developer and the council about reopening the facilities and who would be responsible.
It was eventually reopened around a year later thanks to a campaign led by Councillor Chris Andrew, but it has taken until now to sort out ongo- ing issues with the pavilion and pitches.
And despite a launch event for the pavilion last February, only now has the council been in a position to agree a lease with the community group.
Coun Chris Andrew said: “I’m delighted the pavilion is finally open for groups across Macclesfield. It’s been such a long haul to agree the handover and get the pavilion open.
“It’s a smashing pavilion, the best thing to hit Broken Cross for a long time and there is a real need for a hall like this Macclesfield.”
The building boasts facilities including a community room, kitchen and changing rooms and is available for residents and community groups, organised through the Jasmine Park Pavilion Com- munity Interest Company which is responsible for the building.
The keys were handed over by Macclesfield Mayor Councillor Liz Durham, to Richard Nelson, chairman of Macclesfield Junior Football Club, at a ceremony attended by MP David Rutley.
The first match is due to take place this Sunday, January 17, between Macclesfield Boys Junior Foot- ball Club and Winsford Diamonds.
MP David Rutley said: “It was great to see the keys finally handed to the community. I am pleased to have supported the campaign to get access to the pavilion. It has taken a long time to get to this point.”
Find Jasmine Park Community and Sports Centre on Facebook to book a room.