A disused cricket pavilion in Newcastle upon Tyne is set to be transformed as part of plans for a new £880,000 Sure Start Children's Centre at the Brunswick Recreation Ground.

Newcastle City Council's (NCC) executive has approved plans for the new centre, which will see the pavilion's existing changing rooms replaced by new facilities that meet Sport England requirements. The construction of the centre, which is expected to get underway in June, is being funded by a £330,000 grant from Sure Start and a £210,000 corporate capital grant from NCC, along with contributions from organisations including the local parish council.

Anita Lower, NCC executive member for community safety and regulation, said: "The Brunswick Pavilion has served the community very well for a long time, but it is in a very poor state of repair and has now reached the end of its life. "This project is a real partnership of funders – both council directorates and the local parish and ward committees – with possible contributions from Your Homes Newcastle and other organisations being discussed too. It will lead to a real partnership of services, for family, sporting groups and the wider community available under one roof."