Thanet council plans to demolish the pavilion at Jackey Bakers Rec in Ramsgate and says there are proposals for ” a new pavilion, although timelines for this are currently unknown.“
Thanet council has lodged a planning application to carry out the demolition works saying the current building has: “been subjected to a substantial number of acts of vandalism over a sustained period of time.”
Planning documents say: “The property has been repeatedly vandalised externally with elevations subject to graffiti. There are a number of asbestos roof panels that have degraded and broken. The external envelope is in a very poor state of repair, with many elements either broken/damaged or past their design life.
“ Internally, the property has a number of obsolete services which are not functioning; heating system; poor electrical systems. The facilities within the building are beyond their useful life and all wet facility areas require total replacement. Repairing a building of this age and fabric does not represent value for money and it will be expensive to retrofit energy efficient mechanical and electrical equipment, compared to undertaking a new build.”
Thanet council says insurance requirements dictate the building and site has to be inspected a minimum of 3 times a week, involving the use of two officers per visit.
Documents add: “Previous inspections have encountered illegal trespassers on the site and the associated risk of possible confrontation linking to personnel safety issues. There are numerous hazards within the building associated with the damage and disrepair of the structure.
“The budget within the revenue account cannot fund the continued rate of vandalism to the buildings.
“There has been a significant piece of master planning undertaken on the general future of Jackey Bakers estate, including the location of a new pavilion, although timelines for this are currently unknown.”
A 1,500 signature strong petition was presented to councillors at a meeting last month with campaigners asking for Jackey Bakers to overhauled with improvements including extra bins, benches along the main path and outer edges of the football pitches, a changing facility complete with running hot water for showers and toilets, improved pitches for footballers and other sports, a larger play area, skate park and a car park.
June Tyrrell, who launched the petition with fellow resident Chris Collins, also told councillors a sports pavilion with a café on site would be widely welcomed.
Since launching the petition there have been improvements with the grass being maintained and new goalposts being provided.
A community action group has also been formed and a £28, 247 contribution improvements at the rec has been paid by Barratt homes.
The sum was agreed as part of the developer contributions to be made for a three-phase 500 homes development off New Haine Road in Ramsgate.
A sum of £25,373 must also be paid for new or replacement play equipment at Jackey Bakers Rec by Kentish Projects which is developing 23 houses,15 flats and parking on land off Stirling Way, in the perimeter of the Eurokent Business Park and bounded by Royal Harbour Academy and Laleham Gap Schools.
