Funding agreed for £5.2million pavilion as part of district’s sporting upgrade 

The new pavilion at Chilton Fields will include 8 changing rooms, social spaces, a bar, upper sports viewing terraces, and large multi-purpose area - providing significantly improved facilities and additional capacity for sports clubs, groups and the community.

It will replace the existing pavilion and clubhouse, built 35 years ago and used by many local clubs including Stowmarket Rugby Club and Stowmarket Cricket Club.

Mid Suffolk’s cabinet approved the funding strategy for the pavilion at its meeting today, 8 July, and it is hoped work will start in spring 2026. Construction is expected take around a year, with the existing pavilion demolished when the new facilities are complete.

Cllr Tim Weller, cabinet member for environment, culture and wellbeing, said:

“These new facilities will be a game-changer - a huge improvement over what is currently available, offering a modern suite of facilities.

“We’ve been working closely with our brilliant local sports clubs and groups to understand what is needed, and the new pavilion will deliver this. This is a major investment in the health and wellbeing of our community and residents, and we can’t wait for work to get under way.”

The pavilion is the latest part of Mid Suffolk’s work to improve sporting facilities in the district.

New cricket nets and a trim trail have already been installed at Chilton Fields, with pitches improved and memberships growing. An active track is set to be installed at Chilton Fields this summer, while there are also plans to install a 200m oval mini-athletics track at Stowmarket High School later this year.

Work is also continuing with the Football Foundation to deliver a 3G pitch on the school site.
 
Meanwhile, earlier this year, Mid Suffolk also launched a £750,000 Community Sports Infrastructure Grant fund to support new facilities or essential upgrades for groups and clubs outside Stowmarket.

Cllr Weller said:

“It will take time to deliver all of these improvements, but it is great to see the progress being made. We hope it encourages even more people to enjoy the benefits of being active.”

The project was brought about to address a number of health inequalities in Stowmarket and wider district and in particular, the Chilton Ward, which often compares poorly against the local area and nationally.

The pavilion, which already has planning permission, will include solar PV panels on the roof, EV charging, water conservation and energy efficiency features - built to a BREEAM ‘very good’ rating.

The cabinet’s agreed funding strategy for the pavilion will go to Mid Suffolk District Council’s full council meeting for approval on 24 July.