Basingstoke Hockey Club’s members can now use some of the facilities at the Maidenwell Pavilion following a fire at the building in Down Grange Sports Complex.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has given the club the thumbs up to return to the upstairs area of council-owned building in time for their festive activities.   The space, that includes a bar, kitchen, large seating area and toilets, is used by members of the club and visiting teams before and after matches and training. It is also used for social events and helps to raise funds for the hockey club.

The downstairs changing area of the building, which was severely damaged by the fire on Monday 1 September, remains closed off. The council is progressing insurance claims to restore and improve this space for users.

Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure and Culture Cllr Kerry Morrow said: “Since the fire in September, our officers have been working hard with insurers and safety teams to understand the full impact of the blaze and to find solutions to support the clubs and users affected.

“Temporary toilets were installed and arrangements made with other sports clubs at Down Grange to share changing facilities. While we are still some way away from restoring the damage caused to the downstairs changing area at the pavilion,  it is great we are able to give Basingstoke Hockey Club access to their upstairs space before Christmas. The kitchen and bar area is an important source of income for the club and I’m sure members will be pleased to have their facilities back in time for the festive activities.”

Basingstoke Hockey Club’s Chairman Daniel Bowden said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have regained access to the upstairs area of the clubhouse.  The timing couldn’t be more significant for us. Over the weekend we have been able to hold an adult Christmas party, our youth Christmas parties and two mini festivals (under eights and under 10s) where we welcomed teams from Alton, Andover, Fleet and Ewshot. Having part of the building back means an enormous amount to us to bring everyone in from the cold.

“This marks a real milestone in our recovery, and we’re incredibly grateful for all the support and hard work that has helped make this possible. Although the changing facilities are still out of action, being able to bring some of our social and community events back to life is a huge boost for the whole club.”