A FORMER bowls club pavilion in Poole is to become a new community hub for leisure and recreation after being taken on by the charity Harbour Challenge.

The registered charity will be taking up the tenancy at the former Alexandra Park Bowls Club from the end of this month. It is set to offer a host of activities including treasure hunts, orienteering and archery, as well as after school, holiday and Saturday clubs for children and young people. It will also provide classroom space for first aid, Royal Yachting association and BTEC courses.

The pavilion is also set to become the base for the charity Out & About to run a day centre for adults with disabilities and learning difficulties. Initially opening three days a week, the facility may expand provision according to demand, including into the evenings.

Cllr Mohan Iyengar, cabinet member for culture and leisure at the Borough of Poole, said: “It’s good news that a local provider will be offering recreation activities from this site to the community. We are keen to work with Harbour Challenge so that local people can make the most of the wonderful facilities and services they have on their doorstep."

Chris Hurlock, centre principal for Harbour Challenge, said: “Following our successful takeover of the borough’s Outdoor Education Centre in Hamworthy Park in 2014, we are delighted to be given the opportunity to replicate this success at Alexandra Park for the benefit of the local community and the people of Poole in general."

Harbour Challenge is holding two open evenings on Tuesday April 26 and Thursday April 28 at the pavilion when residents can meet staff and learn more about community hub. Doors open at 6.45pm with a run down of the plans at 7.15pm, followed by a question and answer session.

Alexandra Park Bowls Club closed in October after funding cuts by the council and low membership left it unable to stay afloat. Borough of Poole has begun a procurement process to bring back a leisure facility there.