By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
A new £6.4m community pavilion in Stapleford is due to be given the green light next week.
If approved, the existing pavilion at Hickings Lane Recreation Ground will be demolished and replaced with a “community leisure pavilion”.
It will include a multi-use games area including badminton courts and a skate park.
Broxtowe Borough Council is behind the development and says the plans are one of six core projects agreed as part of the Stapleford Town Centre Investment Plan.
Broxtowe Borough Council will decide on its own proposal at a planning committee on June 7. The plans are being recommended for approval by council officers.
But 94 residents objected to the plans stating it was an “inappropriate location” for the development, which “results in the reduction of public open space”.
They raised concerns about loss of privacy, noise pollution and construction disturbance.
But council officers wrote in the report that “any potential concerns would be outweighed by the benefits of the scheme”.
A total of 30 residents supported the plans.
Sport England also objected to the application as it removes the ability to play cricket at the site.
They added the badminton courts do not meet the size guidance issued by Sport England.
The council stated that “work is under way to relocate the Cricket club to a suitable location”.
As part of the plans, the existing car parking would be extended and replace the existing basketball court.
If approved, the site would officially open in 2025.
The pavilion would facilitate community activities such as fitness classes, yoga, dancing, club groups, elections, meetings and event hire.
Ian Jowett, Chair of the Stapleford Towns Fund, said the plans were a “one-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our fantastic town”.
He added: “We heard very clearly how much local people wanted better facilities that enable them to come together to enjoy activities and events in appropriate surroundings.
“This £6.4m state-of-the-art community pavilion and young people’s centre will really deliver this for the whole community, putting Stapleford on the map.”
