Sports pavilion faces demolition after being declared ‘no longer fit for purpose'

A sports pavilion at a Rotherham recreation ground could be pulled down and replaced with grass after falling into disrepair.

Rotherham Council has submitted proposals to demolish the welfare building at Kilnhurst Recreation Ground, off Springfield Road, saying it is “no longer fit for purpose”.

The single-storey brick pavilion would be dismantled by hand, with workers removing its roof tiles, timber roof frame and walls in stages.

Machinery would then be brought in through the neighbouring car park to remove the concrete floor and foundations.

The application states: “Demolition works have been recommended following the deteriorating condition of the building making it no longer fit for purpose.”

Once cleared, the site would be levelled, covered with topsoil and seeded with grass. The pedestrian path around the building would remain, and a brick retaining wall between the pavilion and car park would be repaired.

Waste would be taken to a licensed facility for recycling where possible.

The application gives a proposed start date of January 4, 2027, with work expected to finish by January 29.

The council is seeking a decision on whether prior approval is required for the demolition, with application reference is RB2026/1474.