Welcome to
Castlethorpe
Community
Space CIC

We are the not-for-profit Community Interest Company which manages the new Community Space called The Pavilion Café and Bar at the Sports Ground in Castlethorpe on behalf of the Parish Council. The CIC currently has seven directors: four are residents and three from the Parish Council.

Change of operator at The Pavilion

We have some important news regarding The Pavilion Café and Bar on behalf of the tenant Clare Vachell, whose company leases the premises from Castlethorpe Community Space (CCS).
Many of you will know Clare and supported her, both when it was announced she had secured the tenancy and by visiting The Pavilion as a customer. Clare has worked tirelessly in establishing The Pavilion but has now decided that she wishes to pursue other career opportunities outside of hospitality. She has asked to relinquish her company's lease and the board of CCS, as landlord, has accepted her request subject to contract.
We are now working with Clare, under the terms of the lease agreement, to facilitate a mutually agreeable exit. Her company's smaller operation at the Lodge Farm Café is unaffected.
As I am sure you will understand, there is a good deal of detailed work required to organise a smooth transition to a new tenant. I am however pleased to announce that we have been fortunate in being able to select a replacement lessee who will shortly start working with the board and Clare, thus minimising disruption to the operation of The Pavilion.
The new operator of the Pavilion will be Le Village Enterprises, 

owned by villagers Elaine and Luke Jefferies who have a wealth of business experience between them and, as a former director of CCS, Luke has a detailed knowledge of The Pavilion's operation.
They are very keen to work with the existing team in building a professional, welcoming and community feel to The Pavilion focused on great food, great service and a great experience – something for all the members.
The board would prefer that The Pavilion continues trading during the change of tenant but it is only right to let you know that it may be necessary to close for a period while the new tenant makes ready their new operation.
This is clearly an unsettling time for Clare's team and the board will work with her, Elaine and Luke to encourage employment for those of the existing team who wish to be considered for the new operation.
I would ask that you please bear with us whilst we undertake this change and I will keep you informed of progress as we proceed.
Lawrence Chapman
Chair, Castlethorpe Community Space

Councillor Phil Ayles and Chris Curtis MP


MP Chris officially opens The Pavilion

The Pavilion Cafe and Bar was officially opened on 22 March by our MP Chris Curtis, who said: "Thank you to the Parish Council and all the villagers involved in this project for having me to share in this moment for you. I hope this will be a much-loved space for residents for years to come.
Councillor Phil Ayles, Chair of the Parish Council, said: "The Pavilion is an amazing achievement by the village working with the Parish Council to create a cafe and bar in a village with no other hospitality venue or place where people could 'drop in'.
"It is a tribute to the generosity of the village supported not only by the Parish Council and residents but also the Milton Keynes Community Foundation, the National Lottery Community Fund and a number of local businesses and organisations. We thank them all most sincerely."

Building The Pavilion Cafe and Bar

Our village has been without a pub since the Carrington Arms closed in 2008 and has never had a café or a casual spot for people to gather, even though surveys showed this is the top request from residents.
In 2022, the owner of the Carrington Arms informed the Parish Council that he no longer planned to redevelop the site and would instead sell it. This prompted the Parish Council to explore building a new Café and Bar. They planned to use a mix of "planning gain" funds, council reserves, a generous grant from the MK Community Foundation, and a low-cost Government loan.
In 2023, a Parish Advisory Poll showed strong support for the project, with 337 votes in favour and only 56 against.
The only suitable location was at the Sports Ground. Plans were created to remodel the cricket pavilion, adding larger changing rooms, new toilets, and an extension for a kitchen, serving area and customer seating. 
Construction began at the end of 2023 and was finished by mid-2024. The Parish Council then leased the building to Castlethorpe Community Space, a newly formed Community Interest Company which is owned by its
members. Any resident over 18, or non-residents with strong ties to the village, can apply to become a member.
Castlethorpe Community Space raised additional funds to equip the pavilion with a kitchen, serving area, and customer furnishings. This included more "planning gain" funds, large grants from MK Community Foundation and the National Lottery Community Fund and around £10,000 in donations from residents, the Duck Race, the Carrington Trust, Castlethorpe Cricket Club and from Liam Andrews’ Ward Councillors’ fund and several local businesses, including Hickford Construction, Universal Blinds and Diyses.
This has made a huge difference between an “it will do” Pavilion and a “really great” one, so we say a sincere thank you to everyone who has helped us. The Pavilion Café and Bar is now a warm, welcoming space for everyone, especially older residents who can meet friends and enjoy much-needed company. It also caters to remote workers looking for a change of scenery and visitors to the outdoor gym and other sports facilities at the Sports Ground. 

Donations

If you would like to donate to improve this wonderful facility, the best way is to make a donation by bank transfer to:
Castlethorpe Community Space
Sort code: 30-99-50 Account No: 24030663
Please confirm your donation by emailing 
castlethorpecommunityspace@gmail.com  

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Contact us

Address

The Pavilion, Thrupp Close, Castlethorpe,
Milton Keynes MK19 7PL

Email

castlethorpecommunityspace@gmail.com

Phone

Castlethorpe Community Space: 07836 504830
The Pavilion bookings: 07394 037332

© 2025 Castlethorpe Community Space CIC.
Company Number: 15318532    VAT No: 481 3482 83