CONTRACT AWARDED FOR VICTORIA PARK COMMUNITY CAFÉ
Newbury Town Council is pleased to announce that the contract for the much-anticipated Victoria Park Community Café has been awarded to Maspace, following a successful tender process. Works commenced on Saturday 27 September 2025, marking the start of the next major milestone for this flagship community project.
The development will transform the existing kiosk into a modern, accessible, and environmentally sustainable café at the heart of Victoria Park.
The start of works was celebrated with a site visit attended by the Mayor of Newbury, Cllr David Harman, who welcomed the project’s progression.
Cllr Harman said: “This project will create a new hub for our community in Victoria Park. The café will be a welcoming and inclusive space for residents, families, and visitors, and I am delighted to see work beginning on this exciting development.”
Leader of the Council, Cllr Gary Norman, added: “Our focus has always been to deliver a facility that is modern, sustainable, and accessible to everyone. The café will make use of eco-friendly features such as photovoltaic panels and an air-source heat pump to reduce its carbon footprint, while also providing high-quality amenities that the community has asked for. This investment will enhance the park’s role as a central gathering space in Newbury.”
Cllr Roger Hunneman, Chair of the Victoria Park Sub-Committee, commented: “Maspace impressed us with their approach to both quality and sustainability, and we are confident they will deliver a café that meets the needs of the community.”
Additional features of the café will include:
• Accessible entryways,
• A Changing Places facility,
• Baby changing amenities,
• Male and female toilets,
• Full-height glazed bi-fold doors with views of the play area and surrounding park.
The café is scheduled for completion in Spring 2026.
Alongside the café project, Newbury Town Council is also delighted to announce two further initiatives in Victoria Park – Parkrun and an expansion of the football facilities.
Parkrun, which takes place in towns and cities across the country, came to Victoria Park for the first time on Saturday 27 September. The new course offers a weekly opportunity for residents of all ages and abilities to enjoy a timed 5k run in a safe, welcoming environment.
Cllr Hunneman commented: “Parkrun will be a fantastic addition to Victoria Park, encouraging more people to get active and enjoy the outdoors together. Regular exercise has proven benefits for both physical and mental health, and this initiative will make a real difference in improving the wellbeing of Newbury residents.”
Newbury Town Council is also pleased to announce an expansion of the football facilities in Victoria Park, further strengthening opportunities for young people to enjoy sport locally. This year will see the introduction of a nine-a-side pitch alongside the existing seven-a-side format, supporting the growth of youth football in the town.
Cllr Vaughan Miller, Chair of the Community Services Committee, commented: “Football is one of the most popular sports for young people in Newbury, and local youth football clubs provide a safe, inclusive, and inspiring way to play. By expanding our pitch provision, and in collaboration with CSA 07 Football Club who are providing the 9-a-side goals, we are encouraging even more young people to take part, stay active, and develop their skills through sport.”
These developments demonstrate Newbury Town Council’s commitment to enhancing Victoria Park as the town’s green heart, offering facilities and activities that support health, wellbeing, and community togetherness for all.
