Race against time to save historic croquet pavilion from demolition

A Victorian croquet pavilion that has stood for over 120 years could be demolished in less than a fortnight unless the owners are persuaded to think again.

The Croquet Club at Budleigh Salterton has informed the council of their intention to demolish the timber-framed building as a recent surveyor’s report found it to be structurally unsound.

The survey found structural flaws in the 19th century pavilion, but the club’s management committee has reportedly declined the offer of a second expert opinion, insisting it would be impossible to get realistic estimates to repair it.

The loss of this heritage asset, quite probably one of the oldest in the country, should surely be treated as a last resort, and members of the local and heritage communities are urging the club to reconsider restoration.

The Victorian Society is one voice encouraging the Club to think again.

Tom Taylor, their Conservation Adviser, said: “It is not too late for Budleigh Croquet Club to conserve this piece of England’s sporting heritage.  It just needs the vision and resolve to redirect funds from demolition to renovation. 

"The pavilion that has served tennis, croquet and bowls players so well for the last 127 years could then continue to do so for many years to come.”