Community welcomes news of £25,000 revamp for Clements Hall pavilion

The site, in Clements Hall Recreation Ground, Hawkwell, was previously used for changing rooms, but was left vacant after the surrounding grounds stopped being used as sports pitches.

Now, community groups can expect to see it back in action, with Rochford Council investing in repairs to the roof and external masonry.

The site will be leased on a seven-year term at a “peppercorn rent” of £1 per year to East Essex Hackspace, which will be responsible for maintaining the building.

The group will run technology and building workshops evenings and weekends.

The likes of Hawkwell Village U3A, Hawkwell Junior Park Run, Remap - a charity that creates custom items to help disabled people live independent lives) - and Rochford Eco and Crouch Valley Scouts will also benefit from the revamp.

Tim Neobard, of East Essex Hackspace, said: “Hackspaces are community-based workshops offering the opportunity to learn new skills, make things, repair and reuse as well as make new friends and socialise.

“It was set up as whilst there are plenty of sporting clubs, there are not many opportunities to make and build things.

“We’re very excited about this new opportunity. For the last seven months we’ve met at Open Doors in Rochford at the former King’s Head, offering taster sessions for what we will be running in Hawkwell Pavilion.

“Past sessions have covered everything from 3D printing, to virtual reality, to dim sum making.

“We aren’t hogging the new building to ourselves for exclusive use, it will be open to all with sessions running evenings and weekends.”

Simon Wootton, Rochford District Council’s asset boss, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to transform a vacant building into a space that can really benefit the community. As a council we are always seeking to make the most of the assets that we own. I’m truly excited to see how East Essex Hackspace will transform this disused site into a workshop for everyone to enjoy.”