The club will be celebrating its centenary in 2023 and has decided to lead the project as a fitting and early launch of its celebrations.
Among the planned work is adjusting the ground level and installing a ramp to allow wheelchair users and those with buggies the chance to look at it up close for the first time.
Biodiversity will be improved by creating a roosting space for bats.
Club president David Parish said it was delighted to save the iconic structure.
‘I am sure many islanders will agree that it is very disappointing to see the current condition of the pavilion,’ he said.
‘This project not only has strong synergies with the Japanese heritage of the park, but also with Rotary International peace and environmental objectives.
‘To that end we also hope to plant a symbolic peace tree which is being nurtured locally fromthe seedlings of a tree that survived the bombings of Hiroshima in 1945.’
Built in 1935, it was restored in 1989 – however, over the last few years its condition has deteriorated. It was closed to the public in 2019.
Environment & Infrastructure president Lindsay De Sausmarez said: ‘I am absolutely delighted that this project can finally move ahead.
‘It is an excellent example of the public, private and third party sectors working together.’
The project is being partially funded by The John Ramplin Charity Trust, which has also supported a number of projects within Saumarez Park.
The Rotary Foundation has also provided grant support following a successful application to its district funding committee.
Rotary will be working in partnership with Pauls Joinery as the main contractor.
Paul Vidamour, of Pauls Joinery, said: ‘After trading in the island for over 35 years we felt this is the perfect time to give something back to the community and what better way for us than working on a building so loved by islanders and involving 95% joinery.’
Other contractors supporting the project include Sarnian Roofing, Bob Froome & Son, Norman Piette, Fusion Engineering, Scaffolding Services, Petersfield Plant Centre and PF & A Architects.
. The Rotary Club has appealed for donations. To donate via Giving.gg, visit https://bit.ly/3deQa9k or contact Brian Acton on 07781 153669 or Nigel Dorey on 07781 115772.
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