Colchester's 'architectural gem' at Essex university renovated

The Sports Pavilion, located at Essex University has been reopened as a café and venue for students, staff, and the community.

The striking structure is positioned on the Wivenhoe Park sports pitches and offers 270-degree views across the picturesque parkland.

Designed by architects and Oxford University lecturers John Meunier and Barry Gasson, the building was first unveiled during the 1969 to 1970 academic year.

The social space has since been refurbished and will now act as a unique location in which a coffee and chinwag can be enjoyed and events can be hosted.

Mr Meunier officially launched the renovated the contemporary site when he unveiled a plaque acknowledging its significance.

He said: “I think the university has done a magnificent job in committing to restore this building, which is very dear to my heart.

“I congratulate Essex on adopting this generous approach of honouring where you have come from and then using that to drive you forward into the future.”

The refurbishment was commissioned with a view of making the building a more exciting venue for sports clubs and societies.

It is also hoped the pavilion can be used by academic departments and locals, while attracting more students to the sports pitches for competitive matches.

Nashwa Alsakka, president of the Students’ Union, said: “It is exciting to see the space refurbished right in time for students returning to the Colchester campus.

“I look forward to it becoming an area where sports teams can hang out in between matches and for supporters to have a warm place to support from.”

Vice chancellor professor Anthony Forster is also thrilled following the celebratory unveiling of the building.

He added: “This is a very special building; an awesome venue and I really hope it will be well used by everyone.”

The Sports Pavilion will operate as a café on Wednesdays from 12pm to 4pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 2pm.

To book the venue visit eventessex.co.uk.