WORK to build the brand-new multi-million pound Sons of Rest Pavilion in Kidderminster’s Brinton Park has got under way.
The new pavilion will stand proudly on the site of the original Sons of Rest 1938 building, which had to be demolished after being damaged beyond repair by badgers living in the park.
Ian Miller, Chief Executive at Wyre Forest District Council, laid the first brick on the site at a special ceremony last week.
Planning permission for the new Sons of Rest pavilion was approved by the district council at its planning meeting in September, giving the green light for construction to begin.
The new pavilion aims to celebrate the heritage of the much-loved original while offering a bright, modern community space.
Once completed, the pavilion will feature a cafe and an outdoor terrace overlooking the new ornamental pool, which is also currently under construction.
Coun Ian Hardiman, Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, Arts and Community Safety said: “The new pavilion will provide a significant focal point in the park where people can meet for a coffee and a chat as well as take part in a range of community-based activities organised and promoted by the council.”
The new building will also be done sensitively to reflect the heritage of the original building.
The demolition of the original building took place in August, with the park badgers, which caused the damage, being rehomed to an artificial sett elsewhere in the park.
Over the next 12 months, Brinton Park will see a series of significant enhancements, including refurbishment of the existing toilet block, improved footpaths, and a new planting and landscaping scheme to refresh the park’s natural beauty and biodiversity.
The £3million improvement programme has been made possible thanks to £2.4million of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Stuart MacKenzie, Construction and Contracts Director at McPhillips Ltd, which is carrying out the work on the pavilion, said: “This is an exciting phase in our work at Brinton Park, as we take the first step in bringing back to life a much-loved community facility that is set to be used and enjoyed by visitors and residents for many years to come.”
