Work on restoring the Wimbledon Road recreation ground pavilion is progressing well, with plans to create a new space for the community on the Old Dean.
The pavilion had fallen into a dire state, having been neglected for some time as it had fallen out of use. Back in May 2020, progress began on transforming the pavilion and surrounding recreation space with the installation of a new playground, and through hard-work and dedication, the junior Library/cafe/accessible loo at Wimbledon Road Rec is almost there.
Commenting, Cllr Trefor Hogg, County Councillor for Camberley East, said:
"I keep telling the wonderful Tara Gibbons that I'd like to see it open for my Birthday on May 27th but I know that there are a few steps still to go, so it may be a little later but not much. As usual persistence, determination, sheer bloody minded not giving up, are what gets you there.
"At the beginning of 2020 the Wimbledon Rd Rec playground was a tired old wreck with a vandalised pavilion that meant footballers had nowhere to change and some unused meeting rooms, a very tired kitchenette and some pretty dire loos.
"Back in May 2020 we finally got the new playground started despite the Covid pandemic.
"By January 2021 with Cllr Shaun Garrett's help we had somehow persuaded Surrey Heath to refurbish the pavilion building and make it usable again and the builders/decorators moved in.
"By July 2021 the CCTV was in, the external lights were working again for the first time for many years, and it became time to float the idea of bringing the pavilion back into community use. The proposal was for a Junior Library with a tiny cafe and accessible toilet....
"By June 2022 we had Camberley Library on board, we had the SCC Communities management team on board, and we had started the very long process of setting up a new charity to run the junior library (@THEOLDDEANREC). I'm not a Trustee of that which makes it much easier for me to help them...... (One of the peculiarities about being a Councillor is you can't help people if you are too closely connected....)
"Once the charity was a legal entity negotiations could begin with Surrey Heath for the use of space in the pavilion and my proposal to Surrey Heath's Executive Committee was accepted....again with some serious help from Shaun.
"Then there was raising the money needed to pay the bills for things like Rent, Electricity and Water.
"Finding a solicitor who would work for nothing to agree the lease - Surrey County Cllr Jonathan Hulley - thank you!
"Alarm system changes, furniture was obtained free from a specialist charity COLLECTECO and has filled up Tara's car port for some time. I'm sure she wants that space back.
"Volunteers were recruited. Planning permission was applied for to cover the change of use. A new kitchen has been given by Howdens with volunteers from Ringway to install it. Some basic decorating needs to take place. That furniture needs to get installed.
"A grant has to be applied for to the Camberley East County Councillor (that's me) for the accessible loo.
"The book stock has to be moved from Camberley Library. The accessible toilet may have to wait until the library is open but it will happen. The volunteers may need a bit of organising.
"ALMOST THERE!!! Nearly ready, just a few more steps."
