A PAVILION in the heart of a popular park will be restored to its former glory thanks to £448,000 worth of grants.

Basildon Council's cabinet has awarded a contract for the refurbishment of the pavilion at Wickford Memorial Park, off Rettendon View, Wickford, to construction company ISG.

A combined sports and recreational centre will be created, which will be used by three football and three cricket clubs.

Waste firm Veolia, which runs Pitsea tip, has awarded the council with a £320,000 grant and Sport England has handed the Tory adminsitration £128,000.

Plans for the refurbishment also include a cafe, improved changing rooms, and a centre providing facilities for the local community.

The restoration of the pavilion is the latest phase in a series of improvements at the park, which include an overhaul of the Wickford War Memorial and the Avenue of Remembrance, and the creation of the Home Front Garden, which honours those killed during the Second World War.

The tennis court has also been upgraded, and a new multi-use sports area has been built.

Kevin Blake, deputy leader of Basildon Council and councillor responsible for arts and leisure, said: “This exciting project will be the crowning feature in the enhancements for this popular park. It is the culmination of several years of work and will allow the community to enjoy the magnificent nature and open space here as well as top quality facilities.

"We are very grateful to Veolia and Sport England for their funding support and enabling us to improve the lives of the people of Wickford. This demonstrates our commitment to enhancing our green and open spaces and encouraging our residents to enjoy activities in the open air. We are continuing to improve the park and will be making announcements about further activity.”