WINCHESTER civic chiefs have confirmed spending £2.2 million on a new pavilion at the King George V playing field in Winchester.

A final decision was made at the Cabinet to develop the new building after demolition of the current two ageing structures, subject to successful funding.

The development will create a hub of high-quality, sports and community facilities aiming at youth football, especially women and girls.

The scheme includes a club room that can be used independently for community and social events and activities.

READ MORE HERE: Plans lodged for new pavilion at King George V pavilion in Highcliffe

A report to Cabinet said a smaller scheme was considered but rejected because it would not provide the accessible range of changing rooms, showers and toilets to meet Football Association standards for league football clubs or cricket clubs’ use.

The addition of a club room enables a more ambitious business plan to increase income generation and open up the pavilion for use by a wider range of people.

Council leader Lucille Thompson said there was a need for urgency with rising building costs: "Costs are not going down. The longer we delay the costs will fall on us."

Most of the funding will be using council fund, including community infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding from developers. But £500,000 is coming from the Football Foundation.

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