Progress celebrated at River Park Pavilion
The new pavilion at River Park in Winchester is taking shape – and will be ready for sporting action this summer.
River Park Pavilion is a community and sports facility for local residents and clubs, which is getting closer to full completion, and planned to ready for community hire from next month.
Construction began last year after Winchester City Council approved a total investment of £2.3M to deliver the project, including: capital funding from the city council: £1.5M from district Community Infrastructure Levy; and in contributions from the Town Forum, The Pavilion Project and grant funding from Hampshire County Council.
This latest investment forms part of the city council’s commitment to increasing participation and opportunities for physical activity for all ages and abilities.
Management & Construction Services Ltd (MCS), the city council’s construction partner, has nearly finished delivering the vision of local architects, Stride Treglown. Since beginning the works in May 2025, MCS has been committed to using local suppliers for the project, and to date their spend within the local economy exceeds over £691,000.
During the construction period, MCS has also supported the local community through a number of initiatives. The team volunteered their time at the Round Table Bonfire Event at River Park, donated £500 towards planting at St Giles Hill Graveyard - and helped with the planting themselves. They have also donated £750 to Trinity Winchester to support the charity’s ongoing provision of practical and emotional support, and donated £750 to Winchester Go LD to assist with the progress of its Skills Development Programme.
Councillor Kathleen Becker, Cabinet Member for Healthy Communities, said: “What an amazing space this new facility is. River Park Pavilion is set to be a hub of activity - in an accessible, contemporary and well-designed building. This council is committed to supporting residents to live active and healthier lives, and River Park Pavilion offers a new community space in the heart of our beautiful River Park.
“MCS has been great to work in partnership with, and I’d like to thank them for not only meeting their commitments to ensure spend is kept local but also for their donation to support the delivery of tree planting locally.”
Justin Whiteman, Managing Director of MCS Construction, added: “I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in the project so far. It has been fantastic to see the new River Park Pavilion take shape, and we’re proud to have worked with Winchester City Council and local partners to bring this important community facility to life.
“Projects like this are about more than construction - they’re about creating spaces that people can enjoy for years to come. Supporting the local community has been a key part of the project for us, whether through using local suppliers, volunteering at the Winchester Bonfire and Fireworks event, or supporting local charities and community groups.
“River Park is such an important space for residents, and we’re delighted to have played a role in delivering a pavilion that will serve the community for years to come.”
In May, River Park Pavilion will be officially opened at an event which will celebrate this brand-new community facility.