A new sports and entertainment centre has officially been opened as part of the regeneration of the former Cadbury’s factory site at Keynsham.
Somerdale Pavilion has been built on the site of the former Fry Club and Conference Centre, which was founded more than 40 years ago by the confectionery firm as a sport and social club for employees at its Somerdale factory.
The new building, run by award-winning leisure charity Aquaterra on a 10-year contract, has a fully-equipped sports centre with a 32-station gym, 15 sports fields, a nine-hole golf course and a range of versatile spaces across six function rooms for event ranging from weddings and birthday parties to conferences and seminars. 
Activities planned at Somerdale include Nordic walking, exercise classes, social activities, community days, sport performance sessions, massages, children’s parties and family fun days as well as a robust health programme run by a team of trained health specialists.
London-based Aquaterra, which already operates similar centres in Worthing and Slough, is keen to link up with community groups and other charities in the area to ensure its services meet the needs of local residents.
It is experienced in running a range of health programmes including adult weight management and cardiac rehabilitation, as well as workshops to help those facing mental health issues and substance abuse. Aquaterra also provides activities for people with disabilities, including sensory activities and soft play, and funds adult and children’s swimming lessons.
Somerdale Pavilion – regarded as an important milestone in the wider regeneration of the Cadbury’s site – was launched at an open day last weekend. Once fully operational, it will employ more than 20 full-time equivalent roles, plus additional part-time roles. The centre has taken on all the staff from the old Fry’s centre,
Somerdale Pavilion operations director Penny Shrubb, pictured, said: “We really want this centre to play a pivotal role at the heart of the community here.
“We want to make sure that everyone – regardless of their age, background or abilities – has the opportunity to improve their health and wellbeing through sport, entertainment and leisure. Our aim is to create a focus for the wider community at Somerdale Pavilion and we are keen to talk to local people and community groups in the area to make sure the activities on offer meet their needs.”
The Cadbury’s factory – which had opened in the 1930s – was closed in 2011 with the loss of hundreds of jobs. Production was moved to Poland.
The 220-acre site is being redeveloped with 700 homes, a care home, shops, nursery and primary school.
