Years of waiting for community facilities at Jasmine Park has ended with the handover of keys for the pavilion.
This means all the community facilities at Jasmine Park - which includes a play area, pavillion and two all weather pitches - are open for the first time since they were built in 2013, following months of dispute between developer Taylor Wimpey and Cheshire East Council.
The play area was open for a short time in early 2013 but was then shut off for a health and safety issue.
There then followed months of wrangling between the developer and the council about reopening the facilities and who would be responsible.
It was eventually reopened around a year later thanks to a campaign led by coun Chris Andrew, but it has taken until now to sort out ongoing issues with the pavilion and pitches.
And despite a launch event for the pavilion last February, only now has the council been in a position to agree a lease with the community group.
Coun Chris Andrew said: “I’m delighted the pavilion is finally open for groups across Macclesfield.
“It’s been such a long haul to agree the handover and get the pavilion open.
“It’s a smashing pavilion, the best thing to hit Broken Cross for a long time and there is a real need for a hall like this Macclesfield.”
The building boasts facilities including a community room, kitchen and changing rooms and is available for residents and community groups, organised through the Jasmine Park Pavilion Community Interest Company which is responsible for the building.
The keys were handed over by coun Liz Durham, mayor of Macclesfield to Richard Nelson, chairman of Macclesfield Junior Football Club, at a ceremony attended by MP David Rutley.
The first football match is due to take place this Sunday, January 17 between Macclesfield Boys Junior Football Club and Winsford Diamonds.
MP David Rutley said: “It was great to see the keys finally handed to the community.
“I am pleased to have supported the campaign to get access to the pavilion.
“It has taken a long time to get to this point.”
Find Jasmine Park Community and Sports Centre on Facebook to book a room.
