Modern, fit-for-purpose facilities for Welford on Avon’s village and sports communities.
The contemporary and practical design obtained planning permission in April 2024, for a building that will be used for not only sport-related activity but anything from exercise classes to birthday parties and other regular and special events. It will be an indoor facility linked to the outside space at Synder Meadow.
Through the Parish Council, the village own Synder Meadow. It is home to the village’s cricket and football pitches. There is also an existing dilapidated sports pavilion, which is in a dreadful state of repair and is no longer fit-for-purpose.
Help us build our community space
The people of Welford overwhelmingly supported the idea of a new replacement building in the Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) and also in the 2025 Housing Needs Survey.
The design of the new pavilion reflects its purpose:
- The pavilion has modern changing rooms and toilets for its use as a sports facility. The specification for these was driven by Sports England through the planning process.
- It is specified as a village community building. This was a Parish Council requirement. It includes additional toilets, a central multi-functional space and a kitchen. No doubt these will be used by spectators at sports events. They can also be used to host village events, community groups and business events. The location, outdoor space and parking widens the possibilities for future use and minimises impact on the centre of the village.
- It is a flood-resilient building. Synder Meadow is part of the functional flood plain of the river Avon. The new pavilion will be built on stilts well above flood level.
- It is an accessible building. Despite being built on stilts, wheelchair access is a must. Inclusion and diversity of use is an important requirement for the Parish Council.
Sports facilities at Synder Meadow will be supplemented with new community resources and will host:
- two youth football pitches
- two junior football pitches
- a cricket green
- a petanque court
- a community orchard
- a running path
- a community recreation space
Donors
You can help realise this fantastic project.
Substantial funding has already been procured. Enough to construct the building structure. However, new funding to fit out the building and upgrade the parking is being sought now.
A grant from Stratford District Council got the project off the ground. This funded plans to be drawn up, for public consultation and planning permission. It will also kick-start construction.
Stratford upon Avon District Council
- £357,000 awarded from a Community Infrastructure grant in December 2023. This grant started the Synder Meadow Community Pavilion project. Unless it is spent, it must be returned and will be allocated to another project in Stratford District.
Welford on Avon Parish Council
- £93,000 raised from a Community Infrastructure Levy payment
- £160,000 raised from the 2025 precept
Keep up to date
News and updates will be published regularly on this website, on village noticeboards and in the old butcher’s window.