Walsall pavilion given £72k revamp as incentive to play sport

The revamp at the Kings Hill Park building in Darlaston has now been completed after more than two months of work.

The centre's refurbishment included rewiring and replastering, new lighting, new windows, central heating, a new kitchen and toilets. A serving hatch has also been added so football clubs and spectators who regularly use the Darlaston Road park can enjoy refreshments and food.

The park is used by as many as 300 football players on some weekends.

Chairman of the Friends of Darlaston South Parks group, Councillor Paul Bott, said: "This is going to regenerate the park as a whole – the pavilion was a rundown building which couldn't be used.

"It's now going to be used for sporting activities, community activities and school groups.

"This is going to provide a whole range of facilities for the community, as well as disabled facilities as there are now disabled toilets in the building, too.

"There have also been two large windows put in so that people can look over the park from the pavilion.

"Everything that could have been put in new, has been. It's all part of the overall regeneration of Kings Hill Park."

Cash for the project was put forward by Walsall Council, which delivered the revamp on budget.

Police officers, Street Pride and park rangers are all also due to use the building once work is complete.

Kings Hill Park is in the midst of a £200,000 revamp, which has seen new fences and gates installed as well as a revamped area and new footpaths.

Councillor Bott added that a new bandstand is now being sought for the park.