Plans for a new community hub have been developed following a long period of engagement with the local community.
A planning application has been submitted to create a new Community Wellbeing Hub in Wonford.
Plans for a new community hub have been developed following a long period of engagement with the local community.
It is designed to transform the existing facilities into a light and inclusive space connected to the Ludwell Valley Park which supports people to be healthy, happy and active every day and to improve health and wellbeing in Wonford.
The hub aims to create an environment that encourages community and sports events but also actively contributes to the overall wellbeing of residents.
Council Leader Phil Bialyk said the Council still needed to secure the necessary funding for the project. A number of funding sources continue to be explored, and the granting of planning permission will increase the chances of unlocking funding.
Cllr Bialyk said: “This is a fantastic project which will deliver major benefits to the community in Wonford and I am delighted that we are now at a stage where we can submit a planning application. Of course, we are fully aware that funding still needs to be secured in order to deliver this much-needed development.
“But securing planning permission will assist in the process and may also speed up delivery, so I am delighted that this significant milestone has been reached.”
The initial community-led vision and design is part of the Sport England funded Live and Move programme within the Council.
Cllr Duncan Wood, Lead Councillor for Leisure Services and Healthy Living, said: “We have worked very closely with the community in Wonford on these plans and it is fantastic that we are now at the stage where a planning application can be submitted.
“This Council is committed to putting health and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do, and I know that this facility will be a major benefit to the local community in Wonford by creating an amazing space for people to enjoy social, wellbeing and physical activities.
“This is a really important milestone for this exciting project and I am so pleased that we have been able to get the project to this stage with the support of the local community.”
Engagement with the local community over the last couple of years has highlighted a vision that includes:
- The development of a hub that brings the community together and improves the health and wellbeing of local residents
- Opening the facility outwards to the community rather than the current, less than welcoming building outlook
- Connecting the facility to Wonford Playing Fields, the Ludwell Valley Park and the wider city Green Circle walking route
More information on the project is available to view on the This is Wonford website at https://thisiswonford.co.uk/what-wonford-wants/
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