Further funding secured for pavilion restoration

Extra funding to restore a historic pavilion and gardens has been secured after a previous government grant worth more than £800,000 fell through.

Wellingborough Town Council said funds for the renovation of Swanspool Pavilion and Gardens would go ahead after it received £567,468 from the government's Community Ownership Fund.

The pavilion will have an Art Deco-style makeover, with a new cafe seating area, a new kitchen, new toilets and the garden paths will be resurfaced.

Councillor Paul Bell, its leader, said it would create "a beautiful pavilion and gardens for all the citizens of Wellingborough to enjoy".

It had been awarded £836,697 from the government's Plan for Change initiative in 2024 to reinstate putting golf.

But following feedback and public opposition, the council voted to remove the adventure golf, meaning the authority was no longer eligible for the money.

Then in December it started a crowdfunding campaign hoping to raise £375,000 towards the restoration, which reached just £220.

The town council secured ownership of the site, which opened in 1919, from North Northamptonshire Council in May 2025.

The main hall and trophy room will be converted into two function rooms that can be made into one large room and Wellingborough Town Council offices will also be upgraded, the council said.

The total work will cost £904,791.

A new CCTV system will be installed along with energy saving measures.

Bell said: "I would like to thank all those that have helped to attain this grant.

"It is our intention to provide a beautiful pavilion and gardens for all the citizens of Wellingborough to enjoy."

The pavilion will be closed from May, when work is due to start, and it is set to be completed by August.

The gardens, bowling area and tennis courts will remain open.

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