This transition marks a significant milestone for the group, as they will now be responsible for the condition and future of this beloved community facility.
Owned by Coventry City Council, the agreement for lease and approvals started in the summer of 2022 for the Edwardian pavilion. Friends of Spencer Park has since fundraised and secured planning permission for renovations.
Renovations include addressing critical issues such as the removal of asbestos and implementing a range of structural improvements.
The bigger goal is to revitalise the pavilion and transform it into a vibrant café and community activity hub. Friends of Spencer Park will also work to enhance the overall environment and leisure facilities in Spencer Park, promoting their use while preserving the natural beauty of the area.
Coventry City Council will continue to manage the remainder of Spencer Park, ensuring that both the pavilion and the park flourish as vital community spaces. This includes the replanting of a Verdun Oak tree that was lost many years ago. The memorial stone for David Spencer has been relocated to a more central spot so the tree will not be overshadowed. The Oak has been grown from seed gathered from a Verdun Oak tree that stands in Lichfield.
Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Events, Coventry City Council, stated: “This is a fantastic development for Spencer Park. The pavilion is set to receive a new lease of life, adding even more value to our already wonderful list of parks in Coventry.
“This has been a long time coming and the planned changes for the pavilion look fantastic. I hope to keep residents updated on the progress of the project.”
Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change, Coventry City Council, added: “It’s great that the park pavilion will now be taken over by the Friends of Spencer Park. They are able to access a number of grants and this will help to secure the future of this listed structure.
“This isn’t the first time we are secured the future of a listed building by working in partnership and I’m pleased that the community is so organised and motivated. I look forward to seeing how they enhance this historical building.”
Ken Taylor, Chairman Of Trustees for the Friends of Spencer Park, said: “It’s an exciting time for the Friends of Spencer Park volunteer team and supporters. So much time has been put in by so many people helping to raise the money to refurbish our wonderful pavilion.
“The signing of the lease is a massive step forward which we have been working towards for the last few years. We thank the council for their support during this period and we look forward to being able to provide a new community space and cafe for all the residents of Earlsdon and the greater Coventry area.”
For more information about Friends of Spencer Park and their plans for the pavilion, head to the Friends of Spencer Park website or check out the planned works on the Coventry City Council planning portal.