A new £600,000 sports pavilion has finally been completed after a decade of planning.

The purpose-built community building at Hethersett Memorial Playing Field will provide new cutting-edge facilities that the village's parish council says will "attract top class sporting events" and support the growth and retention of grassroots football, bowls, cricket and cycle speedway.

Norwich Evening News: The new sports pavilion in Hethersett is the result of 10 years-worth of planningThe new sports pavilion in Hethersett is the result of 10 years-worth of planning (Image: Christopher Trenerry)

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Included at the centre are new fit-for-purpose sports changing rooms with showers and toilets, catering facilities and provision for disabled users.

"This new venue will help strengthen and develop sports in the community," said Sarah Lawrence, chair of Hethersett Parish Council.

"We look forward to seeing this exciting new facility in use." 

The main funding for the building was provided by a loan of £400,000 from the Public Works Loan Board and a grant of £249,999 from the Football Foundation.

Norwich Evening News: From Left: Adrienne Quinlan, former parish council chair, Mike Stark, chairman of Hethersett Memorial Playing Field Trust and Sarah Lawrence, Hethersett Parish Council chairFrom Left: Adrienne Quinlan, former parish council chair, Mike Stark, chairman of Hethersett Memorial Playing Field Trust and Sarah Lawrence, Hethersett Parish Council chair (Image: Hethersett Parish Council)

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Keys for the new pavilion have now been handed over to the Hethersett Memorial Playing Field Trust.

Mike Stark, chairman of the Hethersett Memorial Playing Field Trust, added: "We are delighted to receive the newly completed building. 

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the village to have the benefit of a facility to be proud of and enjoy."