New community pavilion set to enhance Wisbech Park

Seven months after construction began on the pavilion, partners involved in bringing the project to fruition gathered to celebrate its completion on Monday, 22 January.

Representatives from Fenland District Council, Cambridgeshire County Council, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Wisbech Town Council and project contractor Probus gather to celebrate the completion of Wisbech Park pavilion.

A fantastic addition to Wisbech Park, the pavilion will complement the existing amenities, including a Splash Pad and new children's play area successfully completed in the past two years.

Officially unveiling a plaque on the building, Fenland District Council Chairman, Cllr Nick Meekins, said: "I'm a lifelong Wisbech resident so this park has always been part of my life. It's a fantastic park and now we've got this pavilion it gets even better."

Fenland District Council Chairman, Cllr Nick Meekins, officially unveils a plaque to mark the completion of the Wisbech Park pavilion. Pictured with Cllr Anna Smith, Deputy Mayor of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, and Cllr Peter Human, Mayor of Wisbech Town Council.

Cllr Peter Murphy, Fenland District Council's Portfolio Holder for parks and open spaces, said:"Wisbech Park has long been a jewel in the town's crown, and the commitment of local district council members to enhancing it further has significantly increased the number of visitors. The new community pavilion is a testament to this dedication and will serve as a focal point for community engagement and social activities for years to come."

The pavilion promises to be a versatile space catering to the diverse needs of the community, with facilities for events and activities, such as community meetings, workshops, or small-scale performances, and space for a potential café or pop-up café.

It also includes improved public toilet facilities and a state-of-the-art accessible Changing Places toilet, which is designed to support the needs of all people with disabilities.

The project has been made possible thanks to funding from Cambridgeshire County Council's Communities Capital Fund, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority's Market Towns Programme, the Government's Changing Places initiative and Fenland District Council.

The facility will be managed by Wisbech Town Council and is set to open its doors to the public in early Spring, with a third party managing the café area.

The new Wisbech Park pavilion.

Cllr Samantha Hoy, a town, district and county councillor for Wisbech, said: "I'm delighted to see the pavilion completed in just seven months and can't wait for it to start being used and enjoyed by the local community. It marks a significant milestone in our shared commitment to fostering vibrant and inclusive community spaces, where residents can come together, connect, relax, and create lasting memories."

Mayor of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, Dr Nik Johnson, said: "The Splash Pad has been a fantastic success, and this pavilion community hub will widen the park's appeal, attract more events, and encourage new visitors of all ages and abilities. It also shows the power of our partnerships, with £299k from the Combined Authority helping Fenland District Council secure other funding, bringing this welcome boost to Wisbech, demonstrating yet again the CPCA's commitment to invest in the communities of Fenland."

Cllr Tom Sanderson, chair of the Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: "I'm pleased our Communities Capital Fund has enabled this new community pavilion to be built in Wisbech Park. It's wonderful to see the facility now complete and ready to be enjoyed by residents and visitors very soon."

During the pavilion completion celebrations on 22 January, the construction contractor, Probus Construction, donated a defibrillator to the pavilion.

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January 2024