The fire in May 2013 caused considerable damage to the pavilion’s western side, including the roof, ceilings, changing rooms, showers, water tank and floor.
Before the fire the pavilion was a popular facility, serving the 650 local children who play each week in the West Sutton Little League on the adjoining pitches during the football season. The building also contained a café that was well used by park visitors, as well as public toilets.
Following discussions with ward councillors and the park’s stakeholder groups, Sutton Council has renovated and refurbished the building.
The restored pavilion provides Cheam Park with a community hub containing a new café, open seven days a week all year round, with a large, internal seating area and fully accessible toilets. There are also two new changing rooms and a referees’ room for those using the recreation ground pitches during the football season.
The Cheam Park pavilion’s refurbishment was funded by a £60,000 grant secured from SUEZ Communities Trust (formerly SITA Trust), a £30,000 contribution from the South Sutton, Cheam and Belmont Local Committee, insurance monies from the fire, and a contribution from Sutton Council.