Landmark Liberal Democrat-led redevelopment of William Bird Pavilion

Liberal Democrat-led St Albans City and District Council champions multi million pound proposal to redevelop the William Bird Pavilion.

St Albans City and District Council is set to push forward a £6 million redevelopment of the sports pavilion site at Toulmin Drive in New Greens, with a project that would provide much-needed community infrastructure.

The closure three years ago of the William Bird Pavilion has been a pressing issue for the local community and sports teams who train and play there. Liberal Democrat councillors have campaigned relentlessly for the restoration of community facilities, and the district council is now prioritising the William Bird Pavilion as a flagship project and a lasting legacy for the district.

The scheme’s elevation to a formal budgetary proposal is a significant achievement and shows the local Liberal Democrats’ determination to continue to provide the best possible services for the community in ever-tightening financial circumstances imposed by successive governments.

Liberal Democrat council leader Paul de Kort says:

“The aspiration to provide a new community facility at the William Bird site is a major investment in the district’s future and reflects the Liberal Democrats’ commitment to delivering modern, accessible amenities that reflect the values and aspirations of local people.

“Reaching a point where we can now propose this development is an even greater achievement given the desperate financial legacy left by the Conservatives, and reflects the tough but necessary choices we made to prevent the council’s bankruptcy.”

Batchwood resident and campaigner and Liberal Democrat candidate Chris Lewis says:

“It has been a source of much regret to see the dilapidated state of the old pavilion at Toulmin Drive. I know it will come as really great news, not only for the residents of New Greens to see the prospect of a new and upgraded facility there, but also for the district as a whole and in particular the sports clubs that use it.”

Over the last year, key local stakeholders have been in discussions with council officers to ensure the project responds to local needs.

Funding will be derived from a mixture of grants from external bodies such as Sport England, housing developer contributions and other enabling schemes, maximising opportunities and ensuring fair value for local council taxpayers — a key Liberal Democrat principle.

As the council moves towards a final decision early in 2026, the Liberal Democrat team remains committed to transparency and increased engagement with residents, ensuring that public voices remain at the heart of the detailed design work which would be the next stage.