News from Battle Town Council

The opening event, held at 2.00pm, brought together residents, local sports clubs, councillors, volunteers, funders and invited guests. Following short speeches, and in front of a gathering of local dignitaries including the local MP, Keiran Mullan, the Pavilion was formally declared open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony performed by the High Sheriff of East Sussex, Annie Brown. Guests were then invited to tour the building, view a project display charting its development and enjoy tea, coffee and cake.

From match days and grassroots sport to informal social gatherings and quiet moments over coffee, the Pavilion is intended to serve a wide range of users. Set at the heart of a wider landscape of play, movement, relaxation and nature, it encourages active lifestyles while helping to strengthen community bonds.

The new building replaces outdated facilities with a modern, fully accessible pavilion, incorporating team changing rooms with individual shower cubicles, officials’ facilities, community and café spaces, public toilets and a club room - all available for hire at community or commercial rates. Design features have been included to support users with visual impairments, alongside baby-changing facilities and secure equipment storage.

Sustainability has been a key priority throughout the project. The Pavilion has been built to modern environmental standards, incorporating solar panels with battery storage, an air source heat pump, underfloor heating, LED lighting and water-saving measures, reducing both environmental impact and long-term running costs.

Speaking at the opening, Battle Town Mayor, Andrew Barton said:

“This Pavilion reflects years of dedication, consultation and collaboration from local residents. It is a place for sport, wellbeing and community life and we are proud to open its doors and begin this exciting new chapter for Battle.”

The upgraded facilities mean Battle Town Football Club’s first team can once again play home matches in Battle, while the Pavilion and Recreation Ground will also support a wide range of community activities, clubs and events. A special acknowledgement was given to Battle Town Football Club, whose long-standing commitment to the Recreation Ground and to grassroots football has played a vital role in shaping the project. The Pavilion reflects the values the club has long championed: opportunity, participation and progression and provides facilities that will support players, volunteers and the wider community for many years to come.

Cllr Barton concluded his speech “The project has been delivered on time and within budget, thanks to the commitment of councillors past and present, task and finish groups, residents, supporters, contractors and funders (Government, Community Ownership Fund, the Football Foundation, Rother District Council, Premdor, Howdens, British Gypsum) who contributed their time, expertise and belief in what the Pavilion could become.”

The Council also paid tribute to the contractors and professional team involved in delivering the build, with Bellco Construction appointed as principal contractor and Kingston Morehen acting as Quantity Surveyor on behalf of the Council, ensuring the project was delivered to a high standard.

The Battle Pavilion now stands as a welcoming, flexible community asset – designed to meet current needs while remaining adaptable for future generations. Its completion marks a significant milestone in the long-term improvement of Battle Recreation Ground and reinforces the Council’s commitment to investing in inclusive, sustainable community infrastructure.

Bookings for the Pavilion’s community spaces and facilities are now open. Further information about hiring, upcoming events and activities at Battle Recreation Ground can be found via Battle Town Council’s website https://battletowncouncil.gov.uk/about-battle/venue-and-room-hire.