Plans for Stockcross pavilion revamp shelved

Proposals to demolish the existing, dilapidated pavilion on Stockcross Recreation Ground and replace it with an enhanced facility, with additional changing rooms, wheelchair-accessible showers and toilets, and external landscaping, were first submitted to West Berkshire Council last March.
Initial estimates for the work came in at £200,000. However, by the time the final plans, which had already been revised and scaled back and two tendering processes gone through, were drawn up the cheapest quote for the completed project was £342,000.
The issue which caused contention among taxpayers and council members and contributed to the resignation of the former chairwoman, Meg John, and councillors Tim Morrison and Simon Darnton last year.
Current chairwoman Caroline Holbrook said: “The proposed pavilion went out to re-tender in July but sadly, even after reducing the specification quite considerably, it has not been possible to bring it within budget.
“The council therefore decided that it could not proceed with the project at present and in its present form.
“A huge amount of work and effort has been put into this project by AFC Newbury and the council, but the council cannot justify risking further funds on this project.
“The planning permission for the pavilion still remains and much preparatory work has been done, but it will not be possible to build it in the immediate future.”