Hampshire County Council

Executive Member - Recreation and Heritage Item 5

20 November 2003

Emsworth Community Association - Contribution towards Refurbishment

Report of the Director of Recreation and Heritage

Contact Margaret Plumridge Ext: 6173

1. Summary of Decision

The following decision is sought:

i. that £25,000 be provided to Emsworth Community Association to assist with the refurbishment of the Community building.

2. Reasons for recommendation

To support community associations who seek to enable local people to meet the recreational, educational, social, cultural and environmental needs of their local communities

3. Other options considered and rejected

Providing no financial support

4. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker, or a member or officer consulted

None

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

Not applicable

6. Reasons for matter being dealt with, if urgent

Not applicable

Approved by: (Signature) Date: (of decision)

................................. ........................

Councillor J. Waddington

Hampshire County Council

Executive Member - Recreation and Heritage Item 5

20 November 2003

Emsworth Community Association - Contribution towards Refurbishment

Report of the Director of Recreation and Heritage

Contact: Margaret Plumridge Ext 6173

1 Introduction

1.1 Emsworth Community Association leased the Church of England School Buildings on Church Path, Emsworth from Hampshire County Council approximately 30 years ago. It is estimated that approximately 2000 people use the centre each week but the facilities are in urgent need of upgrading and refurbishment. In 1999 a study was commissioned by the Community Association to review the current accommodation within the community building and develop plans for future provision.

1.2 These plans are now underway and in order to complete them Emsworth Community Association are requesting financial support for this project in the form of a capital grant to be used to assist with the refurbishment of the school buildings.

2 Background

2.1 The feasibility study commissioned by Emsworth Community Association identified 3 objectives.

2.2 These were:

· The demolition of the Horsa hut attached to the building and its replacement with a new building

· Refurbishment of the existing building which is owned by Hampshire County Council and leased to the Community Association. This refurbishment would include ensuring the building conforms to the Disability Discrimination Act

· The creation of 3 lock up units in the playground area at the rear of the building

2.3 The current facilities provide:

· An arts studio

· A kitchen

· Storage Area

· An assembly room

· A further hall and storage ( the Lumley Room)

· A Horsa hut

2.4 This accommodation does not function in the most efficient way. The principle problems being:

· Too many entry points - security and circulation problems

· The Horsa hut has been condemned (demolished by Hampshire County Council)

· The kitchen facilities are inadequate

· The building in its current state does not conform to the Disability Discrimination Act

· The present building lacks a modern ambience and does not meet existing needs

2.5 Following a series of public consultations a long term strategy for the building was developed. However these plans proved too ambitious in their original form and after much discussion the plans were revised. Throughout, the Association trustees have worked in consultation with ourselves and staff from Property, Business and Regulatory Services.

2.6 The current plans include:

· Better access at the rear enabling the main entrance to be moved from its current position in Church Path to the more public access through the North Street Car Park

· The provision of a new hall space to replace the Horsa hut

· The consolidation and refurbishment of the existing premises

· The provision of 3 lock up type units

3 Progress to date

3.1 Improving general accessibility

Better access has been achieved from the North Street Car Park through the provision of a ramp between the car park and playground. This project was completed jointly by Hampshire County Council, Havant Borough Council and the Community Association.

3.2 The New Hall

The condemned Horsa hut was demolished by Hampshire County Council as it was unusable. The Association's first priority has been to replace this hall as it was essential in order to maintain the current levels of usage. The trustees have found the funding - approximately £150,000 - to replace this building from their own sources. This has included a long period of fund raising by the members of the Association. This work, to build the new annexe is currently underway and can be seen on the plans attached (Appendix 1)

3.3 The refurbishment of the original building

The next stage requires the complete refurbishment of the original building including work to improve internal access and enable the building to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act. Appendix 2 attached contains a list of major works required. There will be other minor activity such as redecoration which will be undertaken by the Community Association. The Community Association has provided estimates showing the costs of these works to be in the region of £36,717

3.4 The lock up units

There are no plans at present to build these lock up units though they currently remain as part of the future plan.

4. The Financial Implications

4.1 The trustees of Emsworth Community Association have demonstrated that they possess a high degree of business acumen and determination by achieving so much from their own resourcing including raising the £150,000 required to rebuild the annexe. They have shown a willingness to invest in this building in order to provide improved facilities for the local community both for now and in the future.

4.2 However in order to complete the refurbishment of the old building, the Association is seeking some financial assistance from Hampshire County Council as owners and landlords of this building.

4.3 It is proposed therefore that Hampshire County Council should support this project by providing a capital sum of £25,000 which will enable the trustees to continue with their current plans and begin the refurbishment of the school buildings once the new hall is completed. This contribution can be provided from the Major Capital Fund for Village Halls and Community Associations which currently contains £50,000 for the year 2003/04.

5 Corporate Strategy

5.1 This capital sum would enable the County Council to assist Emsworth Community Association to provide activities, services and facilities to the local community. It would also demonstrate that the County Council is willing to work in partnership with local community organisations that demonstrate an understanding of the needs of their local communities and have a positive approach to developing strategies and plans to provide for those needs.

6. Local Member

6.1 No response has been received from Councillor Gillett.

Recommendation

1) that £25,000 be provided to Emsworth Community Association to assist with the refurbishment of the Community building.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excludes:

1. Published works

2. Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

TITLE LOCATION

Emsworth Community Association Recreation & Heritage Dept

Feasibility Study Mottisfont Court