A sports pavilion in a city park could be knocked down after it was broken into and set alight in an arson attack. Rushey Fields Recreation Ground pavilion, in Rushey Mead, went up in flames on Monday, May 21, last year.
The former bowling club building, owned by Leicester City Council, was left with extensive damage and “unsafe for use”. It had also been broken into the day before the fire, leading Leicestershire Police to investigate the incidents as being connected.
A public appeal was shared to help find the culprits but no arrests were made. Now, more than a year on, the building could be demolished.
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An application to city council planning officers, seeking approval for the demolition, said the building was empty and “unsafe for use”. Going forward, the area would become part of the park’s open space, with no plan to rebuild or replace the pavilion.
Rushey Fields Recreation Ground is regularly used by local residents, amateur sports teams and community groups. It recently became the centre of another investigation after a fight broke out involving around 30 men. The incident, on Sunday, July 18, led to 11 arrests.
Nobody has been charged in connection with the brawl. A police spokesperson said the East Leicester Neighbourhood Policing Area (NPA) team are continuing to carry out regular patrols in the area.