New parish council offices, an extended pavilion with a bar and social area, and potentially upgraded sports facilities could be delivered over the next few years if a £3.8 million programme of proposed improvements at the Rec goes ahead. A high-level overview of the proposals will be presented at the next Full Parish Council meeting on Monday, (16 March).
Plans
The proposals – drawn up by the Recreation Development Group (RDG) – suggest extending the former groundsman’s house at 12 New Road to create new Parish Council offices.
This is where staff would be relocated, and it is envisioned the property will be better suited for the day-to-day running of the Council. It is also suggested the new office space could be used for other community organisations for meetings.
Changes to the pavilion are also outlined, with plans to add an extension to the back of the building to provide another community room or function room. The existing community room would be upgraded with a new bar and a flexible layout, allowing the space to be divided for different users.
To the ground itself, the report being presented on Monday says there will be improved pedestrian and cyclist access, drainage works, car park alterations including resurfacing, and improvements to the play area and outside toilets.
The report also mentions the potential refurbishment of the grass tennis courts, which could be converted into floodlit all-year facilities. Plans for four all-weather floodlit courts were first approved by councillors in 2014 and again in 2024, but have never been implemented.
The new proposals could mean the loss of a court. “The proposed consultation would include options for the retention of 4 and 3 courts,” says the report. The options now being considered include a mix of artificial grass and hardcourt surfaces that could also support emerging sports such as pickleball.
A pump track is not featured within the proposals, and there is no comment on how plans for the pavilion upgrades would affect community organisations offering similar facilities elsewhere in the village.
Phases
The works are expected to take place over three to four years and would be delivered in five phases, with preliminary cost estimates provided by consultants.
These include:-
- Phase A (£530,000): Extension to 12 New Road for Council Offices and community meeting rooms
- Phase B (£510,000): Rear extension to the pavilion to create a bookable community facility
- Phase C (£150,000): Creation of a social area and bar within the existing front room
- Phase D (£1.44 million): Car park alterations, entrance changes, drainage works and potential tennis court upgrades
- Phase E (£1.16 million): Energy-saving works to the pavilion, including Air Source Heat Pump installation
Possible funding sources include parish council reserves, borrowing from the Public Works Loan Board, grant funding such as Section 106 contributions and community fundraising.
However, the RDG report warns it is likely that Council Tax would rise to cover the costs.
“An increase in the Parish Council precept will probably be required for any project to progress,” the report says. “A further resident consultation would be needed on any proposal to increase the precept.”
Next steps
The RDG is asking the Council to approve a further £4,680 in professional fees to allow consultants Northmores to prepare material for an initial public consultation.
Visuals illustrating the proposals are expected to be ready in time for the Recreation Ground’s centenary celebrations at the end of June.
“The event will bring many residents onto the site, creating an opportunity to display material in context and gather early feedback,” the report states.
If the project progresses, it could move into the next stage of development – known as RIBA Stage 2 – in the autumn, where architects begin developing concept designs and testing the viability and costs of different options.
Full Council will meet on Monday (16 March) in the Community Room at the Rec, starting at 7.30pm. All Histon & Impington residents are invited to attend to listen to the debates, and any resident wishing to address the meeting should contact the office to request a slot. Email clerk@hisimp-pc.gov.uk For more details, see the agenda pack here.
