The story so far...
We are thrilled to announce the end of construction of The Pavilion Cafe and Bar at the Sports Ground in Castlethorpe – a project that has transformed the former tired old changing rooms and clubhouse into a welcoming and stylish community space to be used by the whole of the village as a cafe and meeting place during the day and a relaxing lounge bar for villagers and their guests in the evening.
This is something our residents have wanted ever since our village pub was bought by developers and closed down in 2008. And now, at long last, they will have somewhere local to bring people together both socially and for work throughout the week.
What people wanted
A survey for our 2017 Neighbourhood Plan found that having a drop-in place to meet was one of the things most wanted by the village.
But when it became apparent that the pub would be too costly to ever renovate we held a Parish Advisory Poll in 2023, asking: "Should Castlethorpe Parish Council build a clubhouse at the sports ground?" The response was overwhelmingly positive, with an impressive 337 votes in favour and only 56 against in a 47% turnout from the 843-strong electorate.
What we've done already
We listened to our residents and took action and the old cricket club changing rooms were revamped and extended to include space for the new purpose-built cafe and bar. We also formed a not-for-profit Community Interest Company to manage the project.
The 2017 survey also highlighted isolation and loneliness as major concerns among our residents. This is particularly significant as Castlethorpe has a much higher proportion of older individuals than Milton Keynes – 21.1% of our residents are aged 65 or older, compared to 13.1%. We are also keen to attract younger members of the village, particularly those with young families who can at times also feel isolated in the more rural location.
Why is The Pavilion so important?
It will serve as a warm and inviting space for everyone, both young and old, who can gather with friends, providing much-needed company. It will also be a welcoming workspace for those who are mainly working from home and seeking a change of scenery, and for users of the outdoor gym and other sports facilities as well as those who bring their youngsters to take part in youth football, cricket and tennis at the adjacent Sports Ground.
Why do we need your help?
The whole project has cost around £280,000 so far, paid for by the Parish Council from “planning gain” money, some of its reserves and a generous grant of £5,000 from the Milton Keynes Community Foundation and another large donation from Castlethorpe Duck Race. Hickfords Construction have also been exceptionally generous with support, as have a number of residents.
But we have one last big step to take – raising the final £25,000 needed to buy the catering equipment, tables, chairs, and furnishings before we can open for business
And that is where you come in!
These are the prices of just some of the items we need to furnish and fit out the cafe and Lounge Bar.
Just to give an idea of what is needed:
- 10 metres of banquette seating @ £495 per metre
- 2 sofas @ £450 each
- 4 Dining chair As @ £317 each
- 4 Dining chair Bs @ £192 each
- 20 Dining chair Cs @ £80 each
- 17 Tables @ £171 each
- 5 Bar stools @ £80 each
- Contact grill £462
- Grill £430
- Toaster £60
- Deep fryer £700
- Water boiler (plumbed in) £415
- Oven range £2,200
- High speed oven £2,882
- Extract canopy £2,500
- Ware washer £2,000
- Bottle fridge £680
- Undercounter fridge £385
- Undercounter freezer £385
- Music system £750
- Sound system speakers £1200
- Television £750
Can you help fund these items through your donations?
Out of area donors will be welcome at The Pavilion.