+

The Future of the Community Centre

+What we did

Test the feasibility of running the Centre without the County Council

Building surveyConsultation of users, local people and groupsLearning from other centresReview of costs and income

+Findings: Uses

Currently well used and well liked

Wide variety of uses by most parts of the community

Unmet demand at peak times limited by flexibility of space

Potential to bring in more daytime uses (e,g, health) and weekend uses (e.g. private hire)

+Findings: Breaking even

Currently just about break even

Scope to reduce costs – mainly in staffing & energy

Scope to increase income through: Growing existing activities

Providing new activities

Hire of space

Higher fees

Need to strengthen management and promotion to improve viability

+Findings: Repair & Maintenance

Significant investment required:

Flat roofs need replacing

Windows are rotten

Heating and electrics are at the end of their economic life

Female toilets are in need of refurbishment

+Findings: Potential improvements

Access

External appeal

Security

Circulation

Flexibility and space constraints

Lack of facilities or inadequate facilities

+Before & After

+Findings: Sources of funding

County Council

Charitable Trusts

Landfill Tax

Green Deal

Community Fundraising

‘Social investment’

Lottery ‘Power to Change’ (not in report)

+Options

Two main options:

1. Extensive refurbishment:

• Phase 1: Essential repairs, changing facilities, fitness suite, new entrance, new heating system

• Phase 2: Further internal layout changes, new toilets & lighting, further repairs

2. New build (smaller centre)

+Recommendations & Next Steps

Committee to agree on preferred option

Confirm costings through full Feasibility Study, to include:

Detailed design and costing

Further essential surveys (e.g. asbestos and bats)

Additional business planning

Bid writing

Agree Heads of Terms with County Council

Simplify leasehold arrangements for 3 parts of the building