AN unused pavilion at Howwood Public Park is set to be brought back to life as councillors consider a bid for a Community Asset Transfer.

Members of the Friends of Howwood Park want to take over the pavilion on a 10-year lease, with the aim of refurbishing it and returning it to community use.

They plan to carry out a full refurbishment of the building, as well as adding a disabled toilet and baby changing area.

Once complete, residents hope it can be used as changing facilities for local teams using the adjacent football pitch, which has also been brought back into use, and as a social hub for visitors to the park, such as local walking groups and youth clubs.

The group has already transformed the play park in Howwood with new equipment, including swings, a zip slide, a climbing frame and bike ramps, supported by £50,000 from Renfrewshire Council’s Green Spaces, Parks and Play Areas and Villages Investment Fund.

Visitor numbers have soared as a result.

Gillian Whyte, of Friends of Howwood Park, said: “During the pandemic, Howwood Park has been a phenomenal asset for the village, as it has provided a great space for children to meet up and play, for adults to connect with other adults in a safe environment and for outdoor exercise.

“The reopening of the pavilion will take this surge in use to another level, as it will attract even more people to the park on a regular basis.

“Once coronavirus restrictions allow, it will provide a place from where light refreshments can be bought, a toilet facility, a baby changing facility, storage space for equipment which we can use to hold events and a base for local groups to meet, including local football teams.

“It will open a host of new opportunities for activities at Howwood Park.”
The application for a Community Asset Transfer will be considered at today’s meeting of Renfrewshire’s infrastructure, land and environment policy board.

If successful, the group plans to apply to the council’s Community Empowerment Fund to support the refurbishment of the pavilion.

Councillor Cathy McEwan, convener of the infrastructure, land and environment policy board, said: “We’re always keen to empower local people where possible and I look forward to the application for a Community Asset Transfer being considered.”