Matfield Pavilion Rebuilding Project
2 January 2012
Exploratory ground work will begin shortly in preparation for the rebuilding of the fire-damaged cricket pavilion on Matfield Green. Brenchley Parish Council has also appointed a firm of local architects to design the new building, in full consultation with the current and potential users and the community in general.
The aim is to open the new pavilion in time for the start of the 2013 cricket season although much work will need to be undertaken in order to meet this tight schedule.
It is expected that the new building project will cost at least £150,000 - £175,000 to meet modern standards. The Council has now received £125,000 insurance monies following the loss of the old building. This means that significant funds will need to be raised through external funding and donations.
As a preliminary step towards designing the pavilion and seeking planning permission, engineers will investigate the integrity of the ground and surrounding areas of the site to ensure it is suitable for the construction of a new pavilion. It seems that the old building was erected in the mid 1970s on the site of a filled-in pond.
Following meetings with several firms of architects, all with experience of designing sports and community buildings, the Parish Council has appointed HazleMcCormackYoung (HMY) of Tunbridge Wells to design a cost-effective building that will enhance the setting of Matfield’s attractive village green – the largest in Kent. HMY will oversee the project through to completion with a brief to design and build a pavilion to modern standards, suitable not only for use by Matfield Green Cricket Club, but also other users including local members of Teise District Guides and Brenchley and Matfield Youth Group.
Parish councillors have already held preliminary meetings with existing users of the pavilion to discuss requirements and contingency measures during the planning and construction phase. Residents around the Green, and the wider community, will also be consulted and given an opportunity to influence the design, uses and precise location of the new building.
The old building – known as the Jack Wish Pavilion – was badly damaged by fire late in the evening of Saturday, September 10. A forensic investigation found that the fire probably resulted from an electrical failure caused by a rodent – most likely a squirrel.
16 November 2011
What do you know about the history of Matfield Green, the Cricket Club and the old – now fire damaged – pavilion?
As part of the process of planning for the replacement of the pavilion, to ensure the new one remains in keeping with the attractive Green environment, Brenchley Parish Council is seeking facts, reminiscences and, if possible, old photographs. The Council is particularly keen to learn about how long cricket has been played on the Green.
If you have such information please contact the Clerk of the Council, Martin Powell, at clerk@brenchleypc.org.uk or on 01892 723586
8 November 2011
Some initial designs for a replacement Matfield Cricket Pavilion have been submitted for consideration by a committee of councillors established to expedite the planning and rebuilding process. Other designs are being sought in a bid to ensure that the new pavilion meets established criteria:
• Versatility. The new pavilion will not only meet the needs of Matfield Green Cricket Club but other established and potential users.
• Quality. The building will be built to modern standards, including those associated with energy efficiency and disabled accessibility.
• Appeal. Apart from functionality, the new pavilion will have aesthetic appeal within the context of a conservation area and sit well within the location of the Green.
Costs will be met by insurance monies and additional funding now being sought by the Council. Planning permission is needed not only for the rebuilding but also demolition of the old pavilion, and all this will take some time. The local community will be given ample opportunity to give their views on the proposals as they crystallize.
19 October 2011
Brenchley Parish Council has set about planning a replacement for Matfield Pavilion which was destroyed by fire on September 10. A forensic investigation has found that the fire probably resulted from an electrical failure caused by a rodent – most likely a squirrel.
The new building will incorporate the best elements of modern cricket pavilion design with traditional, vernacular features associated with the Kent High Weald. The Council is conscious that the new pavilion must sit comfortably within the beautiful setting of Matfield Green and its surrounding properties.
The building will also need to be versatile for, in addition to being the new home of Matfield Green Cricket Club, it will also serve as a community resource, hosting meetings of the Brenchley and Matfield Youth Group, Girl Guides and other organisations
It is anticipated that the cost of the new building will be met largely from insurance monies although it is likely that extra funding will be required. The source of possible funding is also being investigated. The local community will be kept fully informed during the design and planning process and there will be ample opportunity for local residents to give their views.
12 September 2011
Matfield Pavilion, on the village green, was badly damaged by fire late on Saturday evening. The Pavilion was empty at the time and no one was injured but the roof was largely destroyed and it seems likely that the remaining structure will have to be demolished.
The Pavilion, which is home to Matfield Green Cricket Club and the Brenchley and Matfield Youth Group, was in the process of being refurbished. Brenchley Parish Council has set in hand action to fence off the damaged building and intends to rebuild the Pavilion.
The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.