The project has transformed the old tennis pavilion into a community hub, bringing a range of new amenities and activities to the area.
The new Bury Knowle Pavilion features a cafe space adjacent to the tennis courts, a multi-use games area for sports and community events, and new mini-golf and shuffleboard facilities.
The upgrades have aimed to preserve the building’s history while introducing modernised facilities that cater to families, youth groups, and residents.
Bury Knowle Pavilion (Image: Oxford City Council)
The overhaul involved gutting, extending, and modernising the old timber-framed structure to accommodate the cafe.
The project has been carried out despite the building’s state of disrepair and planning restrictions that prohibited its demolition.
Mitchell Carter, associate director of construction at ODS, said: “We are thrilled to see the transformation of Bury Knowle Pavilion into a welcoming and vibrant community hub.
“This project showcases our commitment to enhancing community facilities while preserving the historical and environmental integrity of our beloved sites.”
The refurbishment, part of a wider £600,000 investment in the site, stems from a 15 year agreement between Courtside and Oxford City Council.
Courtside’s operating model focuses on increasing physical and social activity by revitalising under-utilised public buildings in parks.
Jeff Hunter, CEO of Courtside, said: “We are thrilled to have opened our doors.
“Now complete, these exciting new facilities will help realise our mission of bringing people together and encouraging them to be active, serving as a base for connecting the community and encouraging physical and social well-being, while protecting Bury Knowle Park as a place of rest and recreation for future generations.”
Chewe Munkonge, cabinet member for a healthy Oxford at Oxford City Council, added: “These brilliant new facilities in Bury Knowle Park represent a significant investment in the well-being of our community.
“This new, inviting space builds on the council’s work to encourage physical activity and social interaction, helping to foster a healthier, more connected Oxford.
“We are committed to ensuring that everyone in Oxford has access to high-quality recreational facilities, and I am excited to see how residents will benefit from this new community hub.”
Courtside submitted its plans for the project in August 2023.
According to the planning statement, the project aimed to “redevelop and enhance” the site.
It continued: “The proposed development will also significantly enhance the quality of the facilities on the site and will bring them up to a modern standard.
“The scheme will provide a much needed and attractive facility within an appropriate location.”