Plumpton Pavilion could be knocked down for new facility to be built

The Pavilion at the King George V Playing Field in Plumpton, near Lewes, will be knocked down and a new facility built in its place if plans are approved.

Pottinger Design Engineers assessed the building in April and found structural defects in the timber walls and flooring.

As well as that, there were safeguarding concerns due to direct sight lines into changing rooms from publicly accessible corridors and no player toilets available in the changing rooms. This meant that players needed to share toilet facilities with the public.

What the new bar could look like (Image: Lewes District Council)

If the new plans are approved, the pavilion will have more space for the pre-school Honeybees which runs from it, an indoor play area and an outdoor play area.

The new building will also have a bar and social area, changing rooms and toilets.

The bar and social area can provide seating like a café arrangement or be open plan for post-match functions. This space can also be kept separate from the rest of the sports facilities so it can be hired out for events.

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The plans submitted to Lewes District Council by Pottinger Design Engineering read: “The Plumpton Pavilion has been serving the local community for many years, with sports facilities for the local cricket team, stoolball team and junior football club, which include toilets, changing rooms with showers, a social bar area, and kitchen.

A view of what the new bar and social area could look like (Image: Lewes District Council)

“The building is owned by Plumpton Parish Council, for the use of the local community. Despite ongoing maintenance and repairs, the existing building encompasses various challenges that require attention and improvement.”

Plumpton Parish Council estimates the building will cost between £1 million and £1.3 million. The parish council plans to apply for the Lewes District portion of Community Infrastructure Levy, with educational grants being applied for by Honeybees plus Sport England National Lottery Community grants by the sports users.   

The architectural fees and other surveys are being funded through receipts from Community Infrastructure Levy made possible by recent housing developments in Plumpton.