Works commence on Todmorden's Grade II listed bandstand and contemporary new bowling pavilion

Works start this week on Todmorden’s Grade II listed bandstand and on the contemporary new bowling pavilion in Centre Vale Park as designed by Buttress Architects.

The works form part of the Centre Vale Park improvement projects that are a key element of the £17.5M Todmorden Town Deal investment programme in the town, funded by the UK government, to boost the local economy and bring better opportunities for health, wellbeing, leisure and enjoyment to residents and businesses.

Working in partnership are The Town Deal Board, Calderdale Council and the Community Ownership Fund, Todmorden Town Council, as sponsor for the Centre Vale Park projects and delivery partner for the demolition of the bowls pavilion and new build replacement. They have now reached a major milestone by appointing  Rosslee Construction Ltd as contractors appointed on the bowling pavilion project and also to refurbish the bandstand.

"It's been a real privilege to work on the restoration of both Todmorden bowling pavilion and Todmorden bandstand - two much-loved landmarks that hold deep significance for the town. The local support for the restorations has been vital in our work and it's been fantastic to see the community's passion for preserving local heritage."

The bowling pavilion is located some 200metres away from the bandstand in a conservation area for the local community. The look and feel of the new building  will hark back to the original building, but in a contemporary way. The new design uses the same footprint as the original and is aesthetically pleasing, incorporating sustainable natural charred timber, along with stone.

The pavilion will have a new deep over-hanging roof, which is in keeping with the original design and has a natural slate roof with solar panels which means low running costs, which is a long-term benefit for the community.  There is also a kitchen area which can serve hot and cold food, and a corner window and bi-fold doors opening creating a sense of space looking out onto the bowling green. The overall look of the new pavilion is of a sleek, high-quality design which blends into the landscape behind.

Buttress is also involved from a Corporate Social Responsibility perspective and has a commitment to working with Todmorden High School Pupils will be invited to look around the project through to the construction phase. The architects practice will also have a presence at a future careers day at the high school.