Council crowdfund after £800k government cash lost

Wellingborough Town Council wants to bring the site back into community use

A town council has launched a crowdfunding campaign to refurbish a historical pavilion after a government grant worth more than £800,000 fell through.

Wellingborough Town Council wants to raise £375,000 to restore Swanspool Pavilion and Gardens for community use.

It had been awarded £836,697 from the government's Plan for Change initiative last year to restore the gardens, resurface tennis courts and reinstate putting golf.

But following "community feedback and public opposition", the council voted to remove the adventure golf as part of the plans, meaning the authority was no longer eligible for the money.

The town council secured ownership of the site, which opened in 1919, from North Northamptonshire Council in May this year.

The Northamptonshire Telegraph reported that concerns about the original business plan for the site were raised after local elections, which saw a number of newly-elected councillors.

Town councillor Paul Bell said: "Swanspool Pavilion has been part of Wellingborough's heritage for over a century, and we are determined to see it restored for future generations to enjoy.

"While we've had to adjust our plans in response to community concerns, we believe that with the support of local people and businesses, we can still achieve our vision of bringing this beautiful facility back into community use."

The town council said the money donated would see Swanspool Pavilion "refurbished with authentic features, new flooring, lighting, and modernised facilities".

It would "restore damaged elements and enhance security, ensuring the site is safe, sustainable, and welcoming for all", the town council added.