It’s goodbye to the changing rooms at Fernheath Playing Fields in Verney Road as work on their demolition has taken place, but in January a new single storey changing pavilion, café and community space will be built.

With funding from BCP Council Futures Fund and a Community Infrastructure Levy, alongside a grant from the Football Foundation and other third party contributions secured by Fernheath Community Sports Association who lease the buildings from the council, this community asset will improve the sports offering for local residents and everyone who uses this recreation space.

Cllr Laurence Fear, lead member for Wellbeing and ward councillor for Fernheath, who has been instrumental in this project said: “Fernheath Pavilion is a huge asset to the local community providing green open space for sports clubs, runners, dog walkers and families who use the playing fields on a daily basis, so I’m delighted that work is finally underway to demolish the old building and replace it with a modern offering that everyone can benefit from.

“Creating a new café and community space will increase the number of people using this valuable space. It’s well known that going outside in our parks and open spaces can help improve people’s mental health and wellbeing, so I’m very much looking forward to seeing the progress made on this project.

“I would also like to thank Steve and Maura Mowlem and all those from Fernheath Community Sports Association for their hard work in bringing this venture forward.”

Steve Mowlem, chairman of Fernheath Community Sports Association, said: “We are delighted that the rebuild is about to start. The planning for the building started at least five years ago so to finally get to this stage is very exciting, both for ourselves and for all those people that have used Fernheath for activities over the years. We have some neighbours tell us they played football on the field over 50 years ago and will happily reminisce with us when passing on their walks around the field.

“FCSA would like to thank all our funders for their generosity and offers of help and even though it’s going to be a ‘cold’ six months without the building, we’re sure it will be well worth it in the end.”