Bath & North East Somerset Council’s leader, Councillor Paul Crossley, is to top out the new Pavilion at Odd Down Sports Ground later this afternoon (Monday 8th December).
He will put the final roof tile on the building during the topping out ceremony at 2pm, to mark the completion of the external works.
The next stage will see the completion of the internal fit-out. The move marks the next phase in the £3.2 million transformation of Odd Down Sports Ground.
When complete in March 2015, the Pavilion will house eight changing rooms, a café, cycle workshop and community space.
Cllr Crossley said: “This is a wonderful new asset for the whole community of Bath and North East Somerset to enjoy and will encourage more people of all ages and abilities to get active all-year round and get fit for life.
“We very much hope the new sports facilities, including this Pavilion, will become a focus for sports enthusiasts across Bath and the wider area beyond and provide the local community with much-needed community space.
“The developments at Odd Down Sports Ground also include a 1.5-kilometre Off Road Cycling Circuit and a new ‘third generation’ (3G) synthetic all-weather surface capable of hosting football and rugby matches, as well as other popular sports such as Lacrosse and American football.
“In addition, we have rejuvenated the grass pitches with new portable goal posts and will be employing a full time groundsman.
“Next year, we will have two full-size pitches plus seven junior pitches and a grass rugby pitch, as well as a new Cricket Square and three non-turf wickets, available for use. “
Councillor David Dixon (Lib-Dem, Oldfield), the Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “The topping out of the Pavilion is almost the final piece of the jigsaw and will ensure a legacy for the whole community for generations to come.
“We’re grateful to all our supporters for helping us to continue upgrading the facilities at Odd Down so that everyone has the chance to get active and enjoy a healthy lifestyle – from children and families to the more competitive sports enthusiast.
“The Council is keen to offer more opportunities for people to enjoy increased participation in sport – particularly those who may have low levels of activity and health inequalities – and these third generation synthetic astro turf pitches will enable people to use the new facilities all year round.”
The redevelopment of the grass pitches has been match-funded by the Football Foundation, Sport England and the Rugby Football Union (RFU).
The launch of the new astro turf pitches comes a year after the opening of the Council’s new Cycle Circuit at Odd Dow.
The Sports Ground will have to be staffed full-time, which will enable the Council to open the facilities, including the cycle circuit, for longer.
For general enquiries and further information on how to book please call 01225 396429 or visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/odddown
