The pavilion at Kimpton Recreation Ground is set for a makeover after the government awarded a £62,000 grant towards its redevelopment.

Kimpton Parish Council had applied for the money from the government's Community Ownership Fund, as they seek to refurbish the building.

The Fund is awarding £150 million over four years to community groups who can take ownership of local assets that are at risk of being lost.

Kimpton Pavilion was originally constructed in 2006 as a football clubhouse, and the refurbishment will provide a fitness studio, changing room, toilets with disabled accessibility, and an opportunity to set up a café.

The government grant follows North Herts Council's decision earlier this year to award £1,000 to Kimpton Parish Council for the refurbishment.

Bim Afolami, the MP for Hitchin and Harpenden, had supported the bid for government funding by writing to Michael Gove, the minister for levelling up, housing and communities.

Mr Afolami said: “It is absolutely brilliant news for everyone in Kimpton that we’ve been able to secure this funding to renovate the pavilion on the Recreation Ground.

"This is levelling up in action – and it is fantastic that the government have seen the potential that this project can have to really deliver for people in Kimpton. Kimpton Parish Council can be very proud of the hard work that they have put in to produce a really strong bid for funding.

“I look forward to seeing the re-developed pavilion once it is delivered!”

Cllr Ralph Muncer, who represents Kimpton ward on North Herts Council, said: “I’m delighted the government has awarded Kimpton Parish Council a sizeable grant towards the costs of refurbishing the pavilion, which has been in a state of disrepair for a number of years.

"The government’s Levelling Up policy is all about supporting our communities, and I know this funding will be key to ensuring the pavilion can once again be used as a hub for our vibrant community in Kimpton.”

Cllr Alistair Willoughby, executive member for communities and partnerships at North Herts Council, said: “It is good to see central government helping us invest in our communities.

"Back in the summer North Herts Council awarded a grant of £1,000 to Kimpton Parish Council to help improve the facilities at the Rec, which is extremely valued by the local community.

"We’re excited to see the completed project bring a great community benefit to residents for many years to come and hope that other areas in North Herts will benefit from central government investment in the future.”