EXCITING plans for a new centrepiece in Okehampton?s Simmons Park, to replace the pavilion demolished to make way for the multi-million pound Parklands sports complex, have been unveiled. The octagonal, open-sided shelter in green oak, sited on the footprint of the old pavilion will also be suitable for use as a bandstand. Mayor of Okehampton Cllr Tony Leech said he was sure it would prove an attractive feature which would enhance the park. He said: ?This is putting back an amenity for the town into the park. It will have to be in keeping with the park, and I think we have achieved that. ?It is nice to have a bandstand back, but it doesn?t have to be used solely by the brass band, it could be used by other types of bands as well?. Mr Leech said he had been among those people who had wanted to see the old pavilion ? which was built in 1937 ? retained, although it had been in need of major repairs. However, as that had not proved possible, he was pleased to see plans were moving forward for a replacement shelter to allow visitors to enjoy what the Edwardian park had to offer. The money to create the new shelter will come from the town council, with other charities in the town pledging financial support to achieve the scheme, which is likely to cost a total of between £40,000 and £50,000. The designs have been drawn up by Drewsteignton-based architect Stephen Emanuel. He was chosen following an architectural competition commissioned by the council last year, involving two other local architects. Aspects of the materials used in the roof design of the shelter have still to be finalised. Okehampton Town Council clerk Don Bent said the submission of a planning application to West Devon Borough Council was ?imminent?.
