Plans have been approved for the first steps in revitalising a sports ground pavilion, while the search for a contractor gets underway.

The changing room block at Jackey Baker’s Field in Ramsgate is currently closed because it is deemed a health and safety hazard and beyond economical repair.

Now, a new scheme approved by Thanet District Council (TDC) will demolish the site and replace it with eight temporary mobile cabins, which include four changing rooms for football teams and two additional units for referees.

The project, submitted in May, was approved by TDC’s planning committee during a meeting on June 26.

A £370,000 budget for the upcoming overhaul and demolition has been set, while larger plans for the site's future are developed.

The beleaguered sports ground structure, which is plagued by vandalism and asbestos, has been labelled an eyesore by local campaigners.

A petition calling for overhauling the pavilion was submitted to TDC 12 months ago after securing 1,941 signatures.

Now, the council will begin the search for a contractor to take on the project, which is expected to take six months to complete.

Speaking after plans were approved, a spokesperson for TDC said: “Cabinet has now approved the procurement of a contractor, a process that is likely to take up to six months to complete.

“Upon the appointment of the contractor, the timescales to complete the demolition and construction will be finalised.

“At this stage, it is too early to advise on a date by which the project will be completed.

"The temporary structures will be built off-site and put in place when complete, meaning installation time will be minimal.

"In future, other improvements to Jackey Bakers will be considered. At the development stage, the local community and user groups will be invited to provide feedback on them.

“The temporary set-up is likely to remain in place until a long-term plan for the site has been agreed upon."

Ahead of approval, councillors had raised concerns that it would not be possible to protect the temporary facility and it could end up unusable while a long-term plan is proposed.