The Oval Pavilion Survey Results

In May 2022, we conducted a community-wide survey to gather local residents’ opinions on the new pavilion and proposed community spaces at The Oval Bandstand & Lawns. Our goal was to align this project with the community’s vision, creating a cultural and social hub that truly reflects Cliftonville’s unique spirit. We are thrilled to share the results and insights from hundreds of respondents, highlighting both the anticipated and surprising findings that will guide this project forward.

Who Participated in the Survey?

The survey saw enthusiastic participation from a diverse group of residents:

Nearly half of the respondents were aged 60+, and a substantial 43% were in the 45-59 age range. This strong response from older adults highlights their interest in and need for accessible, welcoming community spaces.
The survey reached residents from across the area, with most respondents residing in Cliftonville West (43%). Additionally, 23% of participants came from Cliftonville East and 28% from other wards in Thanet.

Why Do People Visit The Oval Bandstand & Lawns?

The Oval Bandstand & Lawns serves as both a social and recreational hub, with survey results showing that over 80% of respondents visit primarily to attend events, enjoy relaxation, or engage in exercise. Notably, many respondents selected multiple reasons, underscoring The Oval’s versatility in catering to a wide range of interests. For example, attending events topped the list as a popular activity, drawing more than half of visitors, followed closely by those coming to unwind and enjoy the surroundings. Additionally, a substantial portion cited exercise as a reason for their visits, reflecting The Oval’s appeal as a community space where wellness and leisure seamlessly coexist.

What Do Residents Want in a Community Café?

Our survey asked respondents to choose the most important features they’d like in a community café. By analysing each feature individually, we gained clearer insights into specific preferences:

Affordability was the top priority, highlighted by 57% of respondents. This underscores a strong desire for a café that remains accessible to all community members.
Healthy food options were requested by 34% of respondents, showing a strong interest in nutritional options and aligning with the community’s focus on wellness.
Quality of food was also a popular choice, with 32% of respondents selecting this feature.
A welcoming, family-friendly environment was further emphasised, with pet-friendly and child-friendly options frequently mentioned.

Survey responses also indicate strong interest in a café at The Oval that provides both flexibility and convenience. Over 70% of respondents expressed interest in breakfast options, with snacks and drinks being almost equally popular, while takeaway services were frequently mentioned by over 60%. This suggests a clear preference for a café that can cater to various needs, whether it’s a quick bite on the go or a relaxed, sit-down meal. The demand for a versatile menu highlights the café’s potential to serve a broad spectrum of patrons, from those seeking a convenient takeaway to individuals or families wanting a leisurely meal or snack. A café at The Oval designed to accommodate both dine-in and takeaway would effectively address these community preferences, enhancing the venue’s role as a central gathering spot for all.

What Do Residents Want from the Community Rooms?

When asked about their support for new community rooms at The Oval, over 85% of respondents expressed strong support. This overwhelming response highlights the community’s need for additional gathering spaces:

Among desired facilities, social areas topped the list, chosen by 39% of respondents, indicating that many envision the community rooms as comfortable spaces for social interaction.
Meeting rooms were the second most popular facility, selected by 23% of respondents, while other facilities like youth spaces and office spaces followed in popularity.
Respondents expressed high demand for activities for children, young adults, and seniors, as well as fitness classes, arts and crafts, and educational programs. The specific popularity of fitness and art activities (with 34% and 31%, respectively) underscores a desire for varied recreational opportunities.

These insights emphasise the importance of creating adaptable, community-centered rooms that support everyone, whether they’re looking for social interaction, recreation, or personal growth.

What Stops People from Using The Oval More Often?

The survey highlighted two significant barriers to increased use of The Oval: lack of awareness and limited variety of activities. Nearly 40% of respondents indicated they were unaware of the events and activities offered, while 35% felt that current options did not appeal to them or suit their interests. These findings suggest that improving communication channels and increasing the diversity of activities could drive more regular engagement. By ensuring that residents are well-informed and that offerings appeal to a wider audience, The Oval can become an even more integral part of community life.

How Do People Travel to The Oval?

Most respondents (approximately 65%) walk to The Oval, highlighting its role as a local, community-focused venue. A smaller yet significant portion arrives by car (20%) or by bus (15%), indicating that some attendees are from neighbouring areas or prefer alternative transport options. Enhancing accessibility with bicycle racks, and improved pathways would better cater to all community members. Additionally, ensuring that the café and community rooms are fully accessible would make the venue more inclusive for everyone, from pedestrians to those using other modes of transport.

Would the Community Support Paid Services?

The survey results reveal strong interest in a variety of paid services, including a community café, ticketed events, performing arts activities, and children’s play areas. Over 75% of respondents expressed willingness to pay for enhanced offerings, indicating both strong community interest and potential for generating self-sustaining revenue. This enthusiasm aligns with The Oval’s mission to become self-sustaining while meeting community needs. By strategically expanding services, The Oval can support its cultural and recreational goals while strengthening financial resilience.

How Do People Feel About the Pavilion Project?

Feedback on the pavilion project was overwhelmingly positive, with over 80% of respondents expressing enthusiasm for the proposed developments. The community’s vision for the pavilion was strongly centred around key themes:

Community Focus: Inclusivity, affordability, and accessibility emerged as central values, with over 70% of respondents highlighting the importance of affordable options to ensure the pavilion serves all community members. Many expressed appreciation for The Oval’s commitment to maintaining an accessible and inclusive space that fosters connections among residents of all ages.
Design: Respondents showed a clear preference for a pavilion that is aesthetically pleasing, safe, and well-maintained, with 65% citing the importance of rejuvenating the space to reflect the community’s pride in the venue. Emphasis was placed on creating an environment that balances beauty and functionality, with safety being a priority in design considerations.
Accessibility: Ensuring that the café and community rooms are accessible to all, including those with mobility challenges, was a key priority for nearly 60% of respondents. Accessible entryways, clear signage, and wheelchair-friendly pathways were commonly mentioned as necessary features to make the pavilion universally welcoming.
Activities: There was a strong call for diverse, intergenerational activities, with over 75% of participants expressing interest in a range of events appealing to all age groups. Many respondents also encouraged partnerships with local organisations to expand programming and provide inclusive activities that align with community needs.
Additional Requests: Respondents expressed significant interest in unique food options, such as pop-up restaurants and varied lunch services. Around 50% of respondents specifically mentioned a desire for innovative and diverse café offerings, with requests for both classic and new cuisine options that cater to varied tastes and dietary needs.

Overall, the pavilion project received strong community support, with clear direction on inclusivity, design, accessibility, programming, and culinary variety.

Surprising Insights and Key Trends

Several insights stood out from the survey, highlighting areas of unexpected interest:

High Engagement from Older Adults: Nearly 90% of respondents were aged 45 and older, revealing a particularly strong interest in the pavilion from older residents. This suggests a need for programming that caters to older adults, who may seek safe, accessible places to gather and engage with others.
Moderate Current Usage of The Oval: Despite broad support for new community rooms, many respondents indicated they rarely or never visit The Oval Bandstand & Lawns. By separating responses, we saw that 37% of participants visit only once or twice a month, while 23% visit rarely or not at all. This gap shows significant potential to attract more frequent visitors through improved facilities.
Strong Demand for Daytime Access: The preference for daytime access was evident, with 34% of respondents favouring morning access and 27% preferring afternoons. Early evening access was also popular (27%), showing interest in accessible hours that cater to a range of schedules. Evening hours may be offered selectively to accommodate working residents.
Community Café as a Hub for Wellness and Connection: Beyond affordability, the focus on healthy options and a family-friendly environment paints a picture of a café designed for connection and wellbeing. The community is clearly interested in a café that offers more than just food – they want a place that nourishes body and spirit alike.

The Pavilion’s Potential Impact on Cliftonville

Respondents shared their thoughts on how the pavilion could impact the area. Overwhelmingly, they believe it will bring positive changes, including:

Enhancing community cohesion: Many participants envision the pavilion as a space for connecting with others, building friendships, and fostering a stronger sense of belonging within Cliftonville.
Increasing local amenities: By introducing accessible facilities and recreational spaces, the pavilion will make Cliftonville more appealing to residents and visitors alike.
Revitalising Cliftonville’s image: Participants expressed that the new pavilion could boost Cliftonville’s reputation, making it a more vibrant and attractive area for all.

Conclusions and Recommendations for the New Pavilion

Residents were eager to share ideas on how to make the pavilion a thriving community space. Key recommendations included:

Establish a Multi-Purpose Café: With strong support for affordable, healthy food, the café should be central to The Oval. A flexible menu, pet-friendly policies, and takeaway options would cater to diverse preferences. As a wellness and social hub, it would align with The Oval’s wider cultural and community goals.
Diversify Activities and Improve Communication: Expanding activities like fitness classes, art workshops, and intergenerational events could increase visitation. A clear events calendar and proactive outreach through social media, posters, and community groups would ensure residents are aware of offerings.
Enhance Accessibility and Transport Options: While most visitors walk, adding bicycle racks, and improved pathways would welcome more visitors. Ensuring accessibility within the café and community rooms is also vital.
Support Sustainability through Paid Services: The willingness to pay for café offerings, ticketed events, and play areas indicates potential for revenue generation. A sustainable business model would support The Oval’s mission and fund further community improvements.
Focus on Safety, Aesthetics, and Inclusivity in Design: To meet community expectations, the pavilion should be safe, welcoming, and well-designed. Prioritising safety and accessibility will encourage participation and foster pride in The Oval as a cherished community space.

Moving Forward: Building a Pavilion That Truly Belongs to Cliftonville

We’re deeply grateful to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts in this survey. Your feedback provides invaluable guidance as we shape The Oval’s new pavilion and community spaces, ensuring that this project reflects the heart and spirit of Cliftonville. As we continue developing this vision, we’re committed to fostering a pavilion that offers both cultural vibrancy and practical value – a place that enriches lives and brings people together. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting journey, and thank you for helping us shape the future of The Oval. Together, we’re building a community hub that celebrates the best of Cliftonville. – GRASS Cliftonville CIC