New pavilion kicks off new era at the Kimberley Miners’ Recreation Ground
Kimberley Miners’ Welfare FC has returned to their home ground and brand-new pavilion on funded by the Kimberley Means Business Fund.
Replacing the outdated facilities that stood at the ground before – demolished in June – the new pavilion breathes fresh life into the club and town.
New features include a brand-new bar and kitchen for fans, players and visitors, but also the wider community as the space doubles up as a function room, serving as an extra revenue stream for the trust as well as a key space for community events.
The kitchen also has a hatch to outside for hot food on matchdays.
New changing rooms are in the building too, with new dedicated changing rooms for officials, allowing for multi-gendered officiating teams to change at once in separate changing facilities.
The Kimberley Means Business Fund is also supporting applications for new flood lights and perimeter fencing, as well as drainage improvements, which is hoped to be completed by the summer.
Ryan Doherty, club chairman, said, “We are delighted with the facility and it’s going to make a huge difference to the club moving forwards.
"We’d like to thank the Kimberley Miners Recreation Ground Trust for driving this and making this happen after many years of discussions.
"It was great to see so many local tradesmen work on the project, and the quality of work is first class.”
Coun Milan Radulovic (Brox All), Broxtowe Council leader and portfolio holder for asset management and development, added: “Kimberley Miners Welfare FC are an integral part of the Kimberley community and I’m delighted to be able to welcome the team and fans back home to a fantastic new pavilion.
“The facilities here are such a huge upgrade from what stood at the ground previously, and I’m certain they will be enjoyed by many for years and years to come.
“Kimberley has been short of hireable function spaces for some time, and the space at this new pavilion is superb – just what the town needed – and will soon be joined by another at the Kimberley Business and Community Hub later this year.”
Coun Tony Mason, Mayor of Kimberley: commented: “This is a marvellous new facility for both the football club and the wider community.
"The success of this project is the result of great teamwork from local people: JRD Design and Build for the construction, design by Paul Gaughan Building Consultants, bar and seating by Jordan Rood, flooring by Wheatley Projects, and many hours of volunteer time from our town councillors, supported by Broxtowe’s Economic Development Team.
"Well done everyone.”
The new-look venue staged its first game on March 17 but sadly Kimberley couldn’t grace the occasion with a win, going down 2-1 to Clay Cross.