Bolton School’s Leverhulme Pavilion underwent a thorough refurbishment earlier in the academic year. The building, which is situated on Chorley New Road and has floor to ceiling windows and doors that overlook the new all-weather sports pitch, saw upgrades to its meeting room, changing rooms, toilets, kitchen and serving area.
The pavilion and adjoining sports pitches, near the main Bolton School campus, are used by both Divisions for hockey and lacrosse lessons, training and competitive fixtures, as well as by Bolton Hockey Club and the University of Bolton.
Director of Sport in the Girls’ Division, Mrs Heatherington, said: ‘The refurbished Leverhulme Pavilion has not only improved the fabric of the building but the upgrades to the changing and toilet facilities, along with a kitchen re-fit, have enhanced the post-match hospitality we are able to offer in our school fixtures.’
Mr Robson, Master in Charge of Hockey in the Boys’ Division, held a similar view: ‘The hockey teams have really benefitted from excellent facilities next to the AstroTurf with modern changing rooms, working warm showers and access to toilets. We have a place to store equipment and a place to shelter in inclement weather. The additional two changing rooms at the rear of the building have been used by visiting schools and are ideal on busy days when multiple teams are on site.’
Viv Lake, second team captain and fixtures secretary at Bolton Hockey Club, was also delighted with the refurbishment: ‘The new facilities have enhanced the experience of Bolton Hockey Club members, opposition and spectators. We can now offer teams up to date changing facilities and hot showers. The use of the kitchen and the indoor viewing of the new Astro pitch is a great asset.’
The restoration took place forty years after the Third Viscount Leverhulme, who was Chairman of Governors from 1949-1990, gifted the pavilion to Bolton School and one hundred years after the site was first purchased by the Foundation.
