The Victorian-era Clarence Park Pavilion has reopened following a £300,000 restoration.

An official unveiling of the historic landmark took place yesterday (Wednesday, September 27).

The restoration project - organised by St Albans City & District Council - has seen the external structure of the 1890s building restored, with a second phase now set to begin.

Painting and decorating, new guttering and repairs to the brickwork, external staircase, roof and distinctive balustrade have all been completed.

READ MORE

The building's lighting, fire doors, wiring and windows have also been upgraded.

This second phase will see the interior of the pavilion refurbished, and its changing rooms upgraded.

Herts Advertiser: Cllr Chris White, president of St Albans Cricket Club Peter Mardle and St Albans mayor Cllr Anthony Rowlands among others.Cllr Chris White, president of St Albans Cricket Club Peter Mardle and St Albans mayor Cllr Anthony Rowlands among others. (Image: St Albans City and District Council)

St Albans Cricket Club, which uses the pavilion under a licence from the local authority, were consulted about the work, along with residents.

The mayor of St Albans, Cllr Anthony Rowlands, toured the building on Wednesday, along with council leader Chris White, Clarence Ward councillors, cricket club representatives and members of the Clarence Park Residents Association.

Cllr Rowlands said: “It is fantastic to see that this much-loved local landmark has been renovated to an extremely high standard.

Herts Advertiser: Clarence Park Pavilion's official opening in 1894.Clarence Park Pavilion's official opening in 1894. (Image: St Albans Museums)

“As a cricket fan and former club cricketer, I am delighted that St Albans Cricket Club now has a pavilion which provides a high standard of facilities for their players and supporters and for visiting teams.”

Peter Mardle, president of St Albans Cricket Club, added: “We are extremely happy with the work that has been done by the specialist contractor. It is quite brilliant.

“The opposition teams that come to play here are always knocked out by the sight of this historic pavilion. They are going to be even more impressed now.”

The external work was carried out by Conamar Building Services.

Herts Advertiser: (From left to right) Tom Hardy, Dean Currell, John Webber, Cllr Anthony Rowlands, Andy Saunders, Cllr Chris White, Peter Mardle and Chris Davies.(From left to right) Tom Hardy, Dean Currell, John Webber, Cllr Anthony Rowlands, Andy Saunders, Cllr Chris White, Peter Mardle and Chris Davies. (Image: St Albans City and District Council)

The company's business development manager, Chris Davies, commented: "Restoring the pavilion was a challenging task and we are proud of the work we have done in close co-operation with the council and the cricket club.

“We have given it a new lease of life, maintaining the original features such as the balustrade. It looks quite glorious and is a great asset to the surrounding community.”

Lastly, Cllr White said: “I am delighted we have completed the first phase of this ambitious project despite the challenging financial climate.

"The Pavilion is a magnificent building, a striking feature of the Clarence Park area that has stood for more than 125 years.

“It is an outstanding renovation and we have now turned our attention to upgrading the interior.

“Our aim is to ensure that the facilities are of the highest standard and accessible, so that all players, including women and girls, can enjoy a welcoming and safe environment.”