Plans to build a new modern and sustainable pavilion in Oxford which can host community led activities have been approved.

The proposal to demolish the existing single storey former scout hut and the Louie Memorial Pavilion on Arnolds Way in Botley was first granted back in 2019 but planning permission needed to be re-applied for after the pandemic caused delays.

The Vale of White Horse district council's planning committee voted eight to one in favour of the proposal yesterday (July 27). 

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Oxford Mail: The design for the new pavilionThe design for the new pavilion (Image: Jessop and Cook)

The Louis Memorial playing fields are owned by the North Hinksey Parish Council and the area includes a football pitch, play equipment, a games court and a younger children’s play park.

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Oxford Mail: The existing pavilionThe existing pavilion (Image: Jessop and Cook)

Vale of White Horse district councillor Emily Smith, who represents Botley and Sunningwell, said the current pavilion was “run down” and was “not big enough to meet the needs of our growing community”.

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She said: “Having a space that is accessible for all ages and abilities will mean more people will be able to enjoy the indoor and outdoor space.”

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Ms Smith said that with the proposal now approved and the facilities in line with Sports England requirements, “the parish council can now focus on raising the additional funding to make this much needed community resource a reality”.

Oxford Mail: The design for the main hall of the pavilionThe design for the main hall of the pavilion (Image: Jessop and Cook)

It is understood that the parish council is still gathering quotes on the estimated final cost of the entire project.

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In November 2021, the parish council appointed Jessop and Cook as the architects for the new pavilion and the project’s architect Rob Goacher said they had endeavoured to create a “contemporary design” and well-lit building.

Oxford Mail: Overhead view of the design for the new pavilionOverhead view of the design for the new pavilion (Image: Jessop and Cook)

He said: The idea was to allow the roof to merge into the sky and to blend in with the surrounding fields.”

The architects company was behind the design of the Bullingdon Community Centre last year and focuses on making buildings “sustainable”.

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About the author 

To sign up to Ed's weekly Politics newsletter, click here: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/newsletters/

Ed specialises in writing political stories for the Oxford Mail and The Oxford Times. 

He joined in the team in February 2023, after completing a History undergraduate degree at the University of York and studying for his NCTJ diploma in London.

Ed’s weekly politics newsletter is released every Saturday morning.