A brand-new building that enables a Dorset charity to have an office, community space and café has been completed.

CG Fry built Pavilion in the Park on the Great Field, Poundbury, at cost price, ready for it to be fitted out, and has been handed over to the Alcohol Education Trust (AET).

Helena Conibear, CEO of the AET said: "For the last 10 years, the AET has operated out of a garden garage in Frampton so to have a bespoke office, community facing café and meeting space in such a beautiful setting that will attract old and young alike is fantastic for everyone.

"We plan to open in late March or early April, depending on the lockdown and Covid."

Visitors will be able to borrow a book, buy a plant or artwork, or lounge inside or on the veranda while enjoying refreshments, at the same time as supporting the charity.

Richard Biggs, mayor of Dorchester, said: "We are delighted that Pavilion in the Park is ready and congratulate the Alcohol Education Trust on their massive achievement.

"Having AET on site at The Great Field means we have a partner to work with to provide the café, play and toilet facilities to park users.

"We look forward to building our relationship over the years."

There will also be an outside ping-pong table as well as raised beds and a bird feeding station, with the main adventure play area being built by The Duchy of Cornwall and opening summer 2021.

Jason Bowerman, of The Duchy of Cornwall, said: "The Duchy of Cornwall is delighted to see the new headquarters of the AET, with associated café, nearing completion. The pavilion (PiP) is the result of a major planning and fundraising exercise by the trust.

"Construction has been undertaken during a time of quite unforeseeable restrictions and it is a credit to both the trustees and CG Fry and Son, that such a high quality and valuable resource has been delivered.

"PiP will complement the major works undertaken by the Duchy on the Great Field over recent years, providing a wonderfully diverse area for both visitors and residents of Dorchester.

"The Duchy is pleased to have been able to support the project and looks forward to welcoming AET to their new home in the spring."

The pavilion is very eco-friendly, with solar panels, air source heating, reclaimed tiles and wood interior.

Philip Fry, managing director of CG Fry, said: "We have very much enjoyed working on this project with Helena and the team.

"We have carried the building and design work on this project on a no profit basis as we felt it would provide a valuable asset for the community as well as supporting a charity doing great work within the community.

"It is good to see how well the finished building looks in the Great Field."

AET works to keep young people safe around alcohol. It is an early intervention charity supporting young people age 11 to 25 in making more informed life choices.

Les Fry, Dorset councillor and Dorchester town councillor, said: "This is a really significant day for Dorchester and the development of the Great Field, the handover of the building to the AET marks a milestone in the progress of the field for community use.

"This building will become an important asset to the community in many ways. I very much look forward to the opening of the building in the near future."

For more information about AET, visit its website

If you would like to learn more about PiP or job opportunities, would like to support AET or volunteer, or if you are under 25 and would like to sell artwork, email [email protected]

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