Fire ravaged pavilion is to finally reopen

Hope Street Park Pavilion in St Annes was devastated by an arson attack in 2014, which destroyed a large part of the roof.

The incident was the latest in a long line of vandalism targeted at the pavilion – including graffiti and other criminal damage.

The recent refurbishment, partly funded by a mystery donor includes a new roof, new windows and doors, a heating system, new kitchen, new toilets and baby-changing facility, and external comprehensive CCTV and lighting.

Pam Curtis (pictured), from the Friends of Hope Street Park, said: ”The new-look pavilion will allow much greater use to be made of the park’s facilities and I’m sure everyone will be impressed.

“The work doesn’t end here though, we now want to carry on improving the park with improvements to more paths, to the multi-use games area and also to introduce a wild walk.

“The pavilion is a tribute to the work of countless volunteers and funding organisations.”

The pavilion will be officially opened at 12.15pm on Saturday by Councillor Heather Speak, Fylde deputy mayor, and Coun Cheryl Little, chairman of Fylde Council’s Tourism and Leisure Committee.

It will include a fun fair, donkey rides, face painting, stalls and a climbing wall.

The pavilion’s major £152,909 refit is the latest stage in the Friends of Hope Street Park’s programme of improvements that, since 2008, has included a children’s play area, a toddlers’ play area, a teen shelter, improved paths, a climbing frame and a watering system for the main bowling green.

A large chunk of the funding needed to make this project a reality was left on the doorstep of one of the Friends group committee members.

Pam said: “It has been a fantastic journey since we started fund-raising in 2008.

“Residents have supported us at every step of the way and I hope many will attend Saturday’s event.

‘Funding has come from so many sources – but most notable was the £21,480 left anonymously on my doorstep.

“We may never know who donated the cash but I hope they attend on Saturday to see how we spent the money.”