CIVIC chiefs have been quizzed over their plans to splash an 'enormous' budget on the new pavilion at King George V playing fields.

The Chronicle recently reported the cost of the facility was set to increase to £3.3m - £1m more than originally costed in March 2021. 

The pavilion will replace two decaying buildings at the Highcliffe recreation ground and approval was given last November.

One of the existing pavilions has already been decomissioned by the city council.

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However, soaring inflation costs within the construction sector has seen all of the companies tendoring for the project significantly up their prices.

Despite this, the council wants to press ahead with the scheme and has requested the additional capital spend be allocated. 

Speaking at a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, September 22, Councillor Caroline Horrill raised her concerns.

She said: "What a fantastic project it is to rebuild the pavilion and improve our health and wellbeing facilities, especially right next door to Winchester Sport and Leisure Park. It's one I strategically support wholeheartedly. However, this is an enormous budget. Does it have to run to £3.3m, and have we looked at other alternatives?"

Graeme Todd, a corporate property surveyor for the city council, said the current plans for the pavilion met the useage criteria for large contributors such as the Football Foundation and the Cricket Board.

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He added: "We did consider redesigning the pavilion to make it smaller, but the cost of redesign and submitting a further planning application would add up. Costs of construction are only going to rise the longer we delay."

Hampshire's largest female-only football club, Winchester City Flyers, were cited as a key reason as to why the council is so keen to progress with the project. 

The authority said it's vital all of its members - some 500 or so - have a safe space to change and enjoy the sport off the back of the Lionesses' Euro 2022 triumph.

Councillor Kelsie Learney said: "A significant number of companies tendered, all of which increased their costs. I understand the increase we have seen is in line with what other companies are seeing on their capital projects."

She added: "All the while we delay our existing facilities are getting worse. As previously mentioned, women are easily put off sport, and the facilities we currently have are enough to do that alone. It's important we do this now instead of waiting for some rabbit to come out of a hat."

The additional spend was recommended to full council for approval.

On Thursday September 22 the Town Forum agreed an additional £200,000 as its share of the increase bringing its contribution to £450,000.

It heard construction could start in January and be complete by October/November 2023.

Cllr Paula Ferguson said that although the facility is in Winchester some 70 per cent of users are from across the district including clubs in Littleton, Kings Worthy, Sutton Scotney and Bishop's Waltham.