A DILAPIDATED sports pavilion will undergo a major revamp as part of £1million of works to a Wickford park.

Cross-party members of Basildon Council’s planning committee gave the go-ahead for an overhaul of the existing building in the grounds of Wickford Memorial Park, off Rettendon View, Wickford, despite it being on green belt land.

The first floor of the pavilion, which was originally a flat, will be demolished and the existing changing rooms will be redesigned to include four separate cubicles with showers and a toilet, and a separate changing room for officials.

A large open-plan cafe and function room will be created, replacing the existing clubroom, small kitchen and store rooms.

Peter Holliman, Ukip councillor for Wickford North, said: “This is about turning a building which is a bit of an eyesore into something which is going to really benefit the community and improve the park, along with all the other work which is under way.

“Wickford Memorial Park is going to be a real showplace.”

The former cricket pavilion was transformed into a community cafe last year, which includes a job club where help with CV writing, job applications and interviews is available.