Partner sought for community space at Matthewsgreen

Plans to open a new community facility in north Wokingham have taken a big step forward, with Wokingham Borough Council inviting local groups and organisations to express an interest in running the new community centre in Matthewsgreen.

The council is seeking to attract an organisation which shares their ambition to help turn this into a vibrant and welcoming hub that attracts a range of events and activities which will benefit the local community for years to come.

In addition to being able to use the building to meet their own organisational needs, those taking on day to day management will be able to work with ideas for using the building to encouraging community use and generate revenue from the space.

An excellent opportunity

Cllr Rachel Bishop-Firth, executive member for resident services, inclusion and fighting poverty, said: “This is a great opportunity for us to work with an organisation to help shape a vision for this fantastic space. We want someone who is passionate about their community to help turn this into something which will be a true hub for the local area and can’t wait to hear from groups about their ideas for using the space.

“Facilities like these are incredibly important for their local areas. They help contribute towards creating a sense of community. They can help tackle issues like loneliness and inequalities by giving people spaces to gather, spaces to access support or even opportunities to get involved themselves with volunteering or helping run activities.

“By having strong policies in place, and working closely with developers throughout the planning process, we continue to be able to secure infrastructure like this for our residents. It’s an approach which has already shown success and something we will continue to reinforce through our latest local plan update to we can make sure we continue to build communities which offer residents the infrastructure they need.” 

Delivering infrastructure to support growth

Similar to the new community facilities in Shinfield and Arborfield Green, the Matthewsgreen  space has been created through negotiations with developers as part of the infrastructure agreements to support new housing built in the local area.

Located next door to St Ceclia’s Church of England Primary School, the property has separate access and has been designed and built to offer flexibility of use. It offers excellent facilities including good sized halls, which can be opened into one space, offices, a kitchen, toilets, and an entrance area. There is also a changing places facility, outdoor space and designated parking.

Interested in submitting your vision for this space?

Expressions of interest in running the building are being invited from groups and organisations with a proven track record in community management, charity work or event promotion.

Those interested in running the centre will need to submit details about their organisation and experience along with more details on how they would plan to manage the space and generate revenue. along with their vision for what the centre could offer and how it would benefit the local community. 

More information and a link to the Expression of Interest application pack can be found on the council website Tenders page. Applications need to be submitted for consideration by Friday 25 October.

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