Botley Pavilion set to transform community wellbeing
Botley is one step closer to having a welcoming space for the community and local sports clubs, thanks to funding support for the Pavilion’s development.
Botley and North Hinksey Parish Council is set to receive £250,000 in Community Infrastructure Levy funding from Vale of White Horse District Council towards the delivery of phase one of the new Pavilion development.
This phase of the project will provide toilets and changing rooms that are safe and designed with safeguarding and accessibility in mind. These facilities will be suitable for everyone, including people with disabilities. It will also support nearby spaces such as the skatepark, MUGA, play equipment, and the football pitch. In addition, phase one provides a small hall with kitchenette for use of the youth club, art classes, parties and other meetings and a toilet accessible from the outside for users of the fields.
The plans have been developed with input from Sport England, ensuring that the Pavilion’s changing facilities meet current national design standards and are inclusive for everyone.
The project will create a modern, flexible, and welcoming space designed to meet the needs of local residents now and for future generations.
Once the full project is completed, the Pavilion will include more rooms and quality facilities, allowing several activities to take place at the same time, and particularly considering the needs of children and youth including youth club and early years users. Meanwhile, Phase one provides a fully complete changing facility for sports teams and an improved hall with true accessibility for the first time with step free access and disabled parking, allowing for a greater range of users to enjoy indoor and outdoor space at the Louie Memorial Fields.
Cllr Bethia Thomas, Leader and Cabinet Member for Local Government Reorganisation and Strategic Partnerships at Vale of White Horse District Council said: “I know that there will be many in the parish who will be thrilled to see this project move forward. The Botley Pavilion will create a safe, welcoming space for residents. It will also provide modern, accessible facilities, including toilets and changing rooms, and offer an improved space for social activities.
“This Pavilion will help bring people together, strengthen the sense of community, and help improve the physical and mental wellbeing of residents. It’s an exciting investment in the future of Botley and a place the whole community can enjoy for years to come.”
Lorna Berrett, Chair of Botley and North Hinksey Parish Council said: “We are delighted that the Vale District Council are supporting our new Pavilion. This new facility is designed to be the culmination of the project to rejuvenate the leisure facilities at Louie Memorial Playing Fields. The announcement follows the launch of the Botley Skatepark earlier this summer, the first Botley Health and Well-being event on the fields in September, and after news that free Park Yoga and children’s orienteering will be coming to the fields in 2026. This funding is a significant step towards securing a brand new pavilion for all the community.”
Cllr Emily Smith, Vale of White Horse District Council ward member for Botley and Sunningwell said: “I am really pleased that the Vale is able to help fund the desperately needed Botley Pavilion. The new modern, accessible, facility will support the growing number of activities happening on the playing fields. After so much work by volunteers over many years, it is exciting to see this project pass another important milestone.”
Ends
