A new temporary pavilion at Jackey Bakers in Ramsgate was officially opened on Thursday (13 November).
The new facility replaces the previous pavilion, which was closed in 2023 on health and safety grounds. It has been built to Football Association standards and features separate changing rooms for teams and referees, as well as new toilets which can also be used for community events. The site is secured with new fencing.
Improvements at the site began after the council received a public petition with over 1,900 signatures in June 2023.
In it, campaigners asked 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.
Residents June Tyrrell and Chris Collins launched the petition.
The opening event was attended by Cllr Rick Everitt, Leader of Thanet District Council, Cllr Debra Owen-Hughes, Chair of Thanet District Council and Councillor for Northwood Ward, along with Cllr Jim Driver, Councillor for Northwood Ward and June on behalf of the residents’ campaign. Council officers who managed the project were also present.
Cllr Steve Albon, Cabinet Member for Coastal and Cleansing Services at Thanet District Council, said: “I’m delighted that the new temporary pavilion is now open and ready to be used. This is an important part of a schedule of works to support Jackey Bakers so it can be enjoyed by the wide range of people who use it, for many years to come.
“We know how important Jackey Bakers is to the local community and for the provision of outdoor sports facilities in Thanet.”
Urban Surveying & Design Ltd were the lead designers and contract administrators.
A spokesperson said: “The project involved the demolition of the previous pavilion and the installation of modern modular facilities, including four team changing rooms, two referees’ changing rooms, and public toilets.
“The new pavilion has been designed to be secure, durable, and fully DDA compliant, addressing previous issues of vandalism and ensuring safe, accessible use for the community.
“Urban Surveying & Design Ltd. managed the project from initial concept through planning, design, and delivery.
“The new facility provides essential, high-quality sporting infrastructure, supporting local clubs and recreational users while improving the overall safety and functionality of the site. This project reflects Urban Surveying & Design Ltd.’s commitment to delivering practical, community-focused spaces across Thanet and the wider region.”
Providing a new temporary pavilion is the latest in an extensive series of works to Jackey Bakers.
Following the petition new goal posts have been installed to the majority of the pitches, new equipment storage is in place, signs have been installed to discourage dangerous parking and improvements have been made to goal mouths. A new conservation grassland area has also been established as part of the council’s ‘Pollinator Patches’ scheme, aiming to increase biodiversity at the site.
Thanet council’s Cabinet has also previously approved further investigation of the viability of other potential improvements to the site, to include a new car park, multi-sport facilities and a permanent pavilion.
A report is being presented to Cabinet, at a meeting on Thursday 18 December, on the outcome of these investigations.
It should not be as difficult as it is to get things like this built.
It has taken a lot of work and determination to deliver this. It will be much used and provide hours of fun and much needed sports activity. A real community asset that will make a difference. I do not mean to be critical when I point out that so much more of this sort of work needs doing in Thanet !