New cricket pavilion and community centre completed at heart of Alconbury Weald

Alconbury Weald has reached a significant milestone with the opening of a new community space. The Pavilion, which sits at the heart of the first phase of Alconbury Weald, marks the first space dedicated solely to the community.  Located close to the Watch Office and The Club, overlooking the cricket pitch, it joins up the cluster of community amenities already available at the development.

While the building is a modern design, the Pavilion follows traditions set in Abbots Ripton and other local villages of being focussed on the cricket green, providing social and community space, alongside changing rooms, loos and events space: with green space and views over the cricket pitch for people to enjoy as part of the building’s setting.

Whilst the official launch event is postponed until the summer due to social distancing measures, the Pavilion opened its doors on Monday 12 April, in line with government’s roadmap out of lockdown and is already in high demand with the local community helping to shape the programme of events and activities coming forward. Regular community groups beginning next month include Alconbury Scouts, Amazing Kids offering sports skills activities from early years to Key Stage 2, mother and baby wellness group Happy Mama Hub, and Yoga by Anushree.

Cricket East has been working with Urban&Civic, master developer at Alconbury Weald, to plan events as social distancing restrictions lift, to introduce the community and local clubs to the new facilities now available to them. In June, it will be holding a trial cricket day for 5-8year olds, with an opportunity to sign up for the All Stars programme with weekly 1 hour sessions in June and August.

Rachel Arnold, Communications, Communities and Partnerships at Urban&Civic, said: “The Pavilion, which provides additional community facilities to complement those already available at Ermine Street Church Academy and in the wider community, has already started to attract lots of interest from local people and organisations wanting to use the space to bring the community together after a long lockdown.

“We’re really looking forward to social distancing measures easing so the community can enjoy an exciting range of activities and events in this inspiring community space with panoramic views over the cricket pitch.”

Sally Smith, District Councillor said: “I’m delighted to hear that the new Pavilion has been completed and will serve as a wonderful space for all the community to enjoy.  As a district councillor representing the Stukeley’s and Alconbury Weald, I look forward to supporting events and activities coming forward in this fantastic amenity.”

Details of events will be displayed in the window of Swynford Stores and on the new noticeboard at the Pavilion. Anyone interested in finding out more about the hire of these new community facilities should email info@alconbury-weald.co.uk or call 01480 413141.