Harborough Improvement Team

Introduction

The provision of a new community facility has continued to be a long standing item in the Harborough Improvement Team Action Plan since our involvement in, and contribution to, a general feasibility study in 2006. At that time the project did not proceed due to lack of resources. So I am really pleased that, following the production of a new business plan, an application to the Leicestershire County Council Big Society grant fund was successful and that the project can now make further progress towards its next stage: a detailed feasibility study and consultation with the community. There is further information on that on this page.

I think this is an exciting project with the potential to develop an attractive building and sustainable business in Welland Park that benefits all of the community. 

My thanks to the partners who have contributed their time and resources to developing the project: Self Unlimited, Leicestershire County Council and Harborough District Council.

Martin Hill, Chair, Harborough Improvement Team

The Vision

 

Welland Community Centre Profile (Design Idea)

To help bring forward the development of the new centre it is important to understand the impact it will have once it has been built and opened. This is captured in the vision for the centre:

The Welland Community Centre is an outstanding landmark building that reflects, links with and complements the natural and parkland environment. It is a sustainable and welcoming structure that excites interest and exploration. Inside, the building is vibrant, well used and well organised. A wide range of community activities take place throughout the day and evening and regular users include park visitors, community groups and sports club members.

A feature of the building is an excellent cafe with a relaxing and comfortable environment that overlooks the park and provides a wide range of tempting hot and cold drinks, cakes and snacks.

The café\\u00e9, administration and maintenance staff at the centre are highly motivated, friendly and efficient and ensure that the highest quality services are provided. This employment provides high quality jobs and training that is fulfilling and focused on the development needs of people with learning disabilities.

Feasibility Study - thank you for your response.

Following the consultation carried out in the town, market and at the cafe we received over 240 completed surveys.  These and the comments received will be passed onto the consultants working on the feasibility study to form part of the final report.  A big thanks to all the people who took the time to complete a survey and offer their feedback and views on the proposals.

What Next?

The information gathered during the consultation will go into the final feasibility report which will now be completed in May, and will be made avilable on this page.

If the feasibility report supports the delivery of the project then the partnership group will draw up a set of plans that that will reflect any concerns and reccomendations highlighted in the consultation.  We will discuss with the owners of the building, the district council, a way forward on agreeing any development of the existing site and we will need to access the right funds to successfully deliver the project.

For more details contact Chris Sewart on 01858 821392 or email c.sewart@harborough.gov.uk

Find out more

Also available to download for this project:

• Welland Community Centre poster
• Welland Community Centre initial business plan
• Welland Community Centre update Feb 2012
• Welland Community Centre leaflet.