We are pleased to announce that construction is due to start in the next few weeks. It has been a long old wait to get the centre agreed by everyone involved. We now have final confirmation from The Big Lottery that we have carried out all the processes in accordance with its rules and we have arranged the digging of the first turf at 3.30pm on Thursday 15 April – look out on the noticeboards and the Parish Council website for details. Then it will be full steam ahead with hopefully no delays due to bad weather, I think we’ve all had enough of that this winter!
The contractor has been asked to keep as much of the Park open as usual, including the play areas, so you should still be able to do a full circuit giving you a good view of the building as it grows. Some areas At times the play area and basketball court may have to be closed to manoeuvre cranes and heavy lifting equipment but this should be very limited. The contractor will have a secure compound on site and you co-operation to keep the area safe for all will be appreciated.
The building will have a large hall with a permanent stage and a sprung wooden floor, which is good for dancing and for sports and activities of all types. Behind the stage there will be ample changing rooms for use by stage performers but also with an outside door for use by sports and leisure events.
The kitchen has been designed by professionals with additional advice from our Food Hygiene Inspector and will be capable of providing for large and small catering events making it an ideal venue for parties and wedding receptions.
There will also be a large carpeted meeting room which can be divided into two smaller rooms with a sound-proof wall to enable two separate small events to take place at the same time. There will be provision to set up computers and an overhead projector in this room to allow it to be used for training sessions and seminars.
There will also be a room for use by the Police with its own separate access to provide them with a base while on patrol in the area. The whole area will be covered by CCTV linked to Sussex Police and monitored 24 hours a day.
We are now searching for user groups who would be interested in using the new centre. We need to know which activities you would like to hold in the hall, so far suggestions have been short mat bowls, slimming clubs, keep fit, adult learning sessions, computer skills, archery, kick boxing, quilting, social events, ladies supper club, Pilates, judo, amateur dramatics, 20-30 events, youth club and speakers on various subjects. If you are interested in any of these or any other groups, please let Joyce know and fill in the questionnaire that is being circulated by the Bracklesham Bay Community Association. We would also be very interested to hear from existing or new clubs who would like to hire the facilities.
