Rackheath Parish Council has been awarded substantial grants to improve the existing Sports Pavilion.

The building work starting on Monday 26th November, will see the Pavillion extended and refurbished to establish a sustainable community facility which will become a focal point for sporting and recreational activities in Rackheath.

The project is set to cost £463,886 and through working with Norfolk FA and the Football Foundation £98,906 has been secured thanks to the Premier League & The FA Facilities Fund. Sport England has also contributed £50,000 and Broadland District Council £5000, totalling £153,906.

The remaining cost will be met by the Parish Council and Broadland District Council’s Community Infrastructure Fund – a scheme which allows Town and Parish Councils to bid for a loan at a minimal rate of interest for infrastructure projects.

With Rackheath’s population rapidly increasing due to its ongoing residential developments, there has been a desperate need for better facilities and the proposed changes to the Pavillion will help to provide that for sporting purposes.

Planned changes to the building include new changing rooms and shower facilities, a community office and function room as well as a bag room and lockers.

Broadland District Council says: “It is a priority for the Council that we support and enable stronger and more independent communities, and we are delighted to support this ambitious project. In a growing village such as Rackheath, the Sports Pavillion plays a vital role in bringing the community together.”

Paula Lowe, Chair at Rackheath Parish Council, added: “Rackheath Parish Council consulted with the football teams, residents and others who currently use the facility and it was clear from the feedback that the condition of the facilities was a major concern, so I am delighted that we have been able to secure funding and start work on these improvements.  

“Rackheath has a growing and vibrant community and I know that this facility will be well used and will be of real benefit to residents.”

Michael Banham, Chairman of Norfolk County Football Association, added: “It’s always brilliant to see the improvement and development of sport facilities in the County and I’m sure Rackheath’s residents and sporting groups will benefit enormously from this development.

"Supporting communities in gaining funding for projects like this is a key element of our new strategy and we aspire to continue to work hard in this area in order to ensure football provision can take place in areas that are suitable and safe.”

The project is estimated to be completed in May 2019.

For more information on the project or to learn more about Broadland District Council’s Community Fund Infrastructure loans, please contact Sally Hoare, Community Infrastructure Co-ordinator on sally.hoare@broadland.gov.uk.