Pavilion Renovation
August 2025 Update
The plans for the modernisation of the pavilion are gathering pace and progress is being made. The English Cricket Board have already agreed funding towards the solar panels and we hope further grant funding will be available for this element of the project to be completed. Our goal is still to create a modernised pavilion that enables more adults and children to engage in sports and to provide a welcoming space for their players and supporters. A sports pavilion where all safeguarding issues [mixed genders and ages] can be safely managed and a space which is accessible for all; has the benefit of Solar energy and ECO fittings to maximise energy generated and that is fit for the foreseeable future.
Artist’s impression of what the pavilion could look like…
As you know we also plan to create a cafe area to offer a new social venue and location for our community and for those who visit this AONB; something that locals have identified as being missing in the community. In brief a place that serves the whole community and a place where people can build local connections, social networks and a sense of belonging.
As a project group we are aware that with global warming and the potential for much wetter winters and dryer, hotter summers, there is further potential to improve the drainage of the lower portion of the recreation ground which is unusable for much of the winter season. Draining this area would increase the playing area and allow the football club to maximise the space and increase the number of 5 aside pitches they can offer. This will significantly increase the number of children who can play at any one time. If we are trying to increase the numbers of children who play sports, we need to create the space for them to play.
We feel that whilst this adds to our scope, there is potential to encompass this improvement and effectively create a Phase 2 of the wider project.
We expect the total cost of the project to be around £350,000 allowing for contingency funds. We have been discussing our proposals with Surrey County Council Grant Funding Team, who have shown interest in our project and indicated that they are happy to consider granting us £215,000 towards the project which will cost around £350,000 in total to deliver.
But before they will grant us funding, they need to assess whether the local community are supportive of the project. They do this by setting up a “Have your Say” page for projects and ask communities to respond within a 28 day period. Due to the size and nature of our project SCC are looking to see upwards of 500 comments about our plans and how it will benefit the community.
What we need you to do to help us bring this project to reality is to go to: https://yourfundsurreyproposals.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/v3/churt-recreation-ground-trust?step=step1 and add your comments. Once you have done that you will get an email asking you to validate your comments, please make sure you do this, or your comments will not be registered. It takes just minutes to complete and will be your way of helping us make a difference. Everyone can comment, it’s not restricted to one comment per household.
In supporting this project, it’s a chance for you to make a difference and create a pavilion that’s fit for the foreseeable future.
If you have any questions, please contact the Parish Clerk at parishclerk@churt.org who will direct your concern to the most appropriate member of the project team.