The £¾million Hawkinge Football Pavilion is set to open in July.

The modern purpose built building with large hall and kitchen, an office and disabled facilities can accommodate four teams and officials. It is being officially opened at noon on Saturday 16 July when the sports ground will also be handed over to the Hawkinge Community Football and Sports Trust.

The pavilion, which was scheduled for completion by the end of March 2011, was delayed due to the exceptionally bad winter weather.

Hawkinge Parish Council obtained funding from the De Haan Charitable Trust and the Football Foundation, and is using 106 monies and the balance from the sale of the football pitch at the Leisuredrome to finance the project.

The pavilion nears completion

The total cost of the project of £732,028 has been financed by Hawkinge Parish Council with £197,000 plus the 6.5 acre site plus the cost of administering the project and annual maintenance costs.

The De Hann Trust contributed £284,028 and the Football Foundation £248,000, while Hawkinge Youth Football Club put in £3,000.

To ensure the project was zero rated for VAT the council set up the Hawkinge Community Football and Sports Trust to manage the project which saved around £150,000.

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©