A COMMUNITY building which has become the focal point of a giant Eastleigh housing estate has been given a big cash boost by Gannett, the parent company of the Southern Daily Echo.
The Pavilion on the Park which replaced the old Eastleigh Youth Centre building in Nightingale Avenue was opened more than a year ago by the Duke of Gloucester.
Now the pavilion has also become the showcase for artwork by local schools and images of the estate, affectionately known as The Aviary, which is celebrating its 60th year.
A cheque for £2,272 from the Gannett Fund will pay for frames for the artwork and a display cabinet for 3D art and achievement awards.
The cheque was presented by the Daily Echo chief reporter Duncan Eaton to Joe Fitzpatrick, trustee of the Eastleigh Youth Trust and Director of The Senators who celebrate their 25th anniversary this year.
There are also plans to celebrate the estate’s 60th anniversary and the borough’s centenary with a display of photographs taken by well known former local newspaper photographer Len Harvell.
The pavilion will also be the stage for a history project involving Nightingale pupils and local long term residents.
