The Alcohol Education Trust (AET) reports that they have been successful in raising all the funds needed to complete the capital build of The Pavilion in the Park (PiP’s) on The Great Field on Poundbury. The eco friendly pavilion style building includes a community space, public loos, a café and office for The Alcohol Education Trust charity who until now have operated out of a domestic garden garage.
Building commenced on the 15th July . This was a delay from the proposed start date of March 2020 due to Covid 19 restrictions and the ability for the builders CG Fry to work safely on site.
A positive outcome of the delay in the start of the build project has been the securing of funding from Low Carbon Dorset and The Duchy of Cornwall for the installation of inset solar panels on the south roof elevation, air to air source heating and a Tesla battery to store excess energy making the building, which is also using second hand tiles and reclaimed paving slabs, as carbon neutral as possible . They are also using reclaimed scaffolding and pallets inside and even pre-loved carpet tiles in the new office. The delay in the build also allowed them to raise the final small gap in capital funding needed thanks to The Bernard Sunley Foundation and The Prince of Wales GP practice.
The build by local builders CG Fry up to the end of September 30th 2020 is on time and on budget, with the planned hand over of the main build being December 2020. The AET are then responsible for the fit out of the building, including painting, flooring and fit out of the kitchen, office and community space. Quotes and suppliers are being finalised presently and contractors being appointed. There is still a manageable funding gap of £10,000 to complete the fit out of the community room with IT and equipment, making it suitable for use for clubs and groups. The AET were hoping to hold a hard hat fundraiser when the main build was completed, but this is not possible due to COVID 19 restrictions.
The organisation plans to open, COVID 19 allowing, on the 21st March ready for the Easter break. The AET has recruited a suitable board of voluntary Directors for PiP’s to oversee the café element of the operations, recruitment, health and safety, compliance and successful running of the establishment. They will be recruiting for a café manager and staff early in the New Year and if you’d like to apply please email info@alcoholeducationtrust.org to find out more.
The AET are continuing partnership development to ensure that the community room and Great Field are used to their full potential, again please get in touch if you would like to use the building. As soon as Park Runs are able to re-start nationally, the brand new Dorchester Park Run will start on The Great Field. Youth opportunities for young people to be trained and employed by PiP’s are being developed with Weymouth College and the local Foyer (Stonewater Housing). Dorchester Youth Club plan to use PiP’s and the Great Field for summer youth engagement work for example.
The new play area to the rear of PiP’s will be installed by The Duchy of Cornwall Spring 2021 and is expected to be completed July 2021. The extensive project includes a wet play area, wooden ‘Go Ape’ style structures and walkways and will greatly enhance the facilities offered on the Great Field for children and young people.
Photo credit: The Alcohol Education Trust
