The Silsden Pavilion Community Group (SPCG) – Newsletter No 1

The Silsden Park Pavilion Project

Firstly, THANK YOU for your interest in the Sisden Park Pavilion Project. We hope you will continue to follow progress and spread the word so that more of our community becomes aware of the regeneration of this important part of Silsden’s history and future jewel in the heart of our beloved park!

The Vision

The Silsden Pavilion Community Group (SPCG) have high hopes that the Pavilion will once again become a thriving hub of activity: a meeting place for families using the playgrounds or returning from the school run, young people meeting friends, dog walkers and sports lovers and older members of the community out to enjoy a stroll.

Plans for the building include a slightly simplified footprint, which will mean the internal layout can accommodate accessible toilet facilities, making the space fully inclusive. A video walkthrough with the proposed internal design, which is also available on our website (www.silsdenpavilion.org.uk )

Once completed, the project will provide much-needed cafe, toilet & meeting space facilities which will enhance our wonderful park. It will become a destination, encouraging folks to get outdoors into beautiful surroundings with all the associated health and wellbeing benefits. The latter is increasingly important considering the loss of our heritage fields and the impending threat to our most accessible countryside.

So… where are we in the process?

After months of frustration, our hardworking committee is finally seeing the fruits of their dogged determination. Bradford Council has acknowledged the mistakes which have been made and recognised their lack of engagement, and we now believe that we have their full attention!

Regular bi-monthly meetings are attended by our Chairman Bob Davis, Ward Councillor Caroline Whitaker and STC Councillor Peter Ford, plus managers responsible for Bradford’s Parks & Greenspaces and the Interim Assistant Director of Culture Sport & Leisure, Jo Hinchliffe.

Gradually, during these meetings, the necessary processes are being followed, permissions sought and proposals negotiated to move the project along.

Bob (whose other “hat” is Mayor of Silsden Town Council) has many years of experience in the construction industry and is keeping a careful eye on estimates and materials, making sure that the BMBC uses precious funding to the best effect.

Peter has a special interest in design and is overseeing that the final plans for the Pavilion meet our aims and use the limited space available in the best way possible.

Caroline is using her extensive experience in local politics to keep the process moving forward and on track.

Discussions in recent meetings have addressed –

  • The sign-off of funding for Phase 1 of the project using Section 106 monies from recent developments in Silsden. The works associated with Phase 1 will restore the structure and external fabric of the Pavilion and ensure its preservation for the future.
  • Requests by our committee to use high-quality materials, including Kingspan insulation, to ensure the building is as efficient and sustainable as possible
  • Challenges in costings and the presentation of alternative quotations by SPCG
  • Final hurdles before work can commence, including applying for the necessary planning permissions & preparing for the presentation of the finalised costings to Bradford.

Next steps

Even before work has begun on the exterior of the building, the committee must start to plan Phase 2 of the project, which will transform the internal space.
The planning group is currently investigating various sources of funding to enable this work to happen, including grants from government via the local authority, the National Lottery and local charities and businesses; a huge task!

How can I get involved?

We do hope that you are as enthusiastic about this project as we are.
We understand that time is a scarce resource and many people are discouraged from offering help because of the commitment which they fear might be expected as a consequence; a commitment which may be impossible to deliver.

However, do not let this fear put you off! Help in all its forms, whether a short conversation to share expertise or a couple of hours with a paintbrush during the finishing stages, will be hugely appreciated.

Please sign up for our future newsletters, share the project with your friends, and stay in touch. Feel free to email your ideas and input to information@silsdenpavilion.org.uk and let us know what you might be able to offer.

We’d love to invite the whole community to come to the grand opening of the Pavilion and need everyone’s goodwill to help us reach that day!