The Oval Pavilion Survey – Reflecting on Progress
Nearly three years ago, we reached out to the Cliftonville community with a survey to help shape the vision for a new pavilion within the amphitheatre. This survey was crucial, as it gave us valuable insights into what people wanted from this new facility. Originally, the pavilion development was part of the Margate Town Deal levelling up project. However, as the local authority removed us from that funding initiative, we’ve had to scale back the scope of what we can achieve in the short term. This adjustment is reflected in our recent planning application, which councillors unanimously approved on 18th September, 2024.
We are now focusing on a scaled-down but impactful vision: a smaller community café housed within the existing pavilion building, designed with your survey feedback in mind. This café, along with other improvements in the amphitheatre, will bring new life to The Oval while honouring the community’s input on food offerings, opening hours, accessibility, and the importance of quality, affordable options.
Survey Highlights
The data from The Oval Pavilion Survey revealed an inspiring and clear vision from the community. Hundreds of respondents shared their thoughts on what the new pavilion should encompass, resulting in five central themes that have guided our work at every step:
- Multipurpose, Accessible Community Spaces: Over 85% of respondents showed strong support for creating adaptable community rooms. There was a particular call for social areas, meeting rooms, and versatile spaces for all ages, with high interest in activities ranging from fitness classes to arts and crafts and educational programmes.
- Awareness and Inclusivity in Programming: Many respondents felt that better communication about activities and a more diverse range of events could make The Oval a true community hub. Suggestions ranged from fitness and arts classes to family-friendly activities that cater to all age groups, fostering a sense of belonging and connection within Cliftonville.
- Accessibility and Transport Enhancements: With 65% of respondents walking to The Oval, the need for accessible pathways, bike racks, and clear, inclusive entryways was evident. Additionally, 60% prioritised wheelchair-friendly facilities and accessible entry points for the new café and community rooms.
- Community Café as a Hub for Wellness and Connection: Respondents expressed strong support for a community café offering healthy, affordable, and diverse food options, suggesting that it be a central gathering place for the community. Popular ideas included pop-up events, a pet-friendly environment, and unique food offerings to make the café a true destination.
- Safety, Quality Design, and Sustainability: The survey emphasised the importance of a well-designed, safe, and attractive pavilion that reflects Cliftonville’s pride in its heritage. Community members called for features prioritising both aesthetics and security, with a vision of a pavilion that respects the natural environment and fosters a vibrant, welcoming space.
Implemented Recommendations
Since the survey, we’ve been hard at work implementing these recommendations, especially within the reduced scope made necessary by our removal in October 2023 from the Margate Town Deal levelling up project. Here are some of the specific recommendations we’ve achieved so far:
- Improved Accessibility: We’ve enhanced accessibility within the amphitheatre, including new handrails and improved steps. Additional step-free access ramps have been installed to connect all the amphitheatre to the pavilion facilities and the kiosk, ensuring everyone can enjoy The Oval safely and comfortably, addressing a central priority in the survey.
- Safety and Security Upgrades: To create a safe and welcoming environment, we’ve installed remotely monitored CCTV and lighting around the amphitheatre and toilet block, which helps deter antisocial behaviour and vandalism, and helps to prioritise safety for all visitors. A Wi-Fi-enabled burglar alarm has also been added to safeguard the site out-of-hours.
- Aesthetic and Environmental Enhancements: In response to the community’s call for a beautiful, welcoming amphitheatre, we have completed significant restorative work on the bandstand structure, including a comprehensive repaint, and repairing damaged sections. We also introduced two large flowerbeds at the auditorium steps, planted with spring bulbs and lavender, bringing additional greenery and seasonal blooms to the space.
Current Works in Progress
Additional recommendations from the survey are still in progress, reflected in the recent planning application unanimously approved by councillors. These current developments include:
- Community Café in the Pavilion Building: Although we’re no longer part of the larger Margate Town Deal project, we are developing a smaller community café within the existing pavilion, guided directly by your input. This café will feature affordable, quality food options, a flexible menu, and accessible hours, making it a welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.
- Energy Efficiency Project: Thanks to funding from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), we are improving the energy efficiency of the pavilion, which will support both the new café, toilets and events bar. This aligns with the community’s emphasis on sustainable and well-designed facilities.
- Timber-Clad Shipping Containers with Green Roofs: To accommodate some of the multipurpose spaces that respondents requested, we’re installing timber-clad shipping containers that will host a community bookshop, several food and drink concessions, and a community meeting room. This will enhance The Oval as a cultural and social gathering point.
- Covered Seating Areas: In response to calls for more usable spaces in all weather conditions, we’re adding new covered seating areas in the bandstand, supporting events and activities.
- Expanded Recycling Facilities: New bin enclosures are being installed to improve waste management and recycling, reflecting our shared commitment to environmental responsibility.
- Additional Raised Planters for Ecology and Aesthetics: To soften the concrete surroundings and add more greenery, we’re adding more raised planters around the amphitheatre, which aligns with community calls for improved aesthetics and environmental stewardship.
Looking Ahead
While much has been accomplished, a few elements of the original pavilion vision remain part of our long-term goals:
- Increased Daytime and Evening Hours: With the new café, we’ll be able to open the amphitheatre daily, ensuring that our customer toilets are accessible with on-site supervision. We also plan to open the kiosk and food and drink concessions, particularly on weekends and during events, to provide a vibrant and well-serviced environment for visitors.
- Further Community Rooms: The survey’s support for multipurpose community rooms will be partially met through the shipping container community meeting room, but we’re also developing proposals with an architect to extend the existing pavilion structure. This extension would allow us to achieve our ambition of creating a large multi-function community room. We intend to submit a new planning application for this project in the coming months.
- New Access for the Bandstand Basement: We are creating new steps leading down to the basement under the bandstand, transforming this area into a usable room that can serve as valuable storage space or a multipurpose community room.
While the scope may be smaller than originally planned, our commitment to a vibrant, accessible, and community-driven pavilion remains steadfast. Each improvement, from the café to the accessibility upgrades, is a direct reflection of what you told us in the survey. The Oval’s pavilion is becoming a welcoming, sustainable space that honours community input and provides a foundation for future developments.
Thank you to everyone who took part in the pavilion survey. Your feedback has been instrumental in shaping these projects, and we’re thrilled to see these recommendations coming to life. As we move forward, we remain committed to creating a space that reflects the needs and aspirations of Cliftonville, fostering connection and community pride for years to come.
Rumour has it, you removed yourself from the town deal
That’s not quite right. We didn’t remove ourselves from the Town Deal, Thanet District Council (TDC) withdrew our funding after we raised concerns about certain terms in the grant agreement.
The NDA clause was one of several issues we tried to negotiate, but the main reason we couldn’t sign was that TDC refused to allocate the 5% revenue funding we needed to build capacity and afford to deliver the capital project. Instead, they redirected our funding into their own projects. According to government guidelines, we were entitled to this revenue funding, and without it, the project simply wasn’t financially viable for GRASS, which is a community organisation with limited resources.
Because of misleading statements made to us by TDC throughout the project, signing an NDA became an additional concern. However, we would have signed the agreement had the funding been allocated correctly. Instead of working with us to resolve the issue, TDC chose to withdraw the funding altogether.
So to be absolutely clear: We did not withdraw from the Margate Town Deal, TDC withdrew our funding.
Happy to clarify further if you’ve heard anything else.