Building of Brackle Barn begins
Work on a new community hall in Bracklesham started yesterday (Thursday 15 April) after a turf cutting ceremony took place.
Representatives from Chichester District Council, East Wittering and Bracklehsam Parish Council, and the main contractor, Construction Partnership, were at the event.
John Kingdon, Director of Health and Community Wellbeing at Chichester District Council, says: “The Bracklesham Park Community Hall is being built by Construction Partnership Ltd, and is the realisation of many years of work and planning. The building will be a great asset for the community, and will further enhance the existing facilities already being enjoyed at Bracklesham Park.”
The name for the hall was announced by the Parish Council at a meeting last week. ‘Brackle Barn’ was chosen after the Parish Council ran a competition for residents to come up with a name. The winning idea comes from a tradition of using barns for social events on the former farm land. The design for Brackle Barn includes:
- a large hall with integrated stage;
- two multi-purpose rooms for courses, classes and meetings;
- a changing facility (to service the existing sports pitches and for drama productions);
- large kitchen;
- reception area;
- proposed police office; and
- other community facilities.
Further car parking, additional cycle spaces and improved pedestrian routes will also be part of the fully accessible community scheme.
The building, part-funded by a grant from the Big Lottery Fund’s Community Buildings programme, will meet the highest environmental credentials. It will use modern renewable technologies to reduce running costs and the carbon footprint. Ground source heat pumps, a heating system that takes advantage of the natural heat from the ground, will be installed below the ground outside the building. This system will reduce the conventional energy requirements of the buildings heating system. Additionally, the domestic hot water system will be provided using solar thermal collectors. These collectors are panels of sealed tubes of water on the roof that absorb the heat from the sun. High levels of insulation and timber framing will also be utilised to save energy, and ensure the construction is environmentally friendly.
The centre, designed by RJCA Architects of Colworth, is being built on land at Bracklesham Park. It will add to the existing facilities of a play area, multi-use games area and sports pitches.
Construction Partnership Ltd Managing Director, Chris Horsfield says: “We are thrilled to be working with Chichester District Council on this important project, which will bring great benefit to the community. We intend to deliver a first class facility.”
Joyce Griffith, the Parish Council Clerk, says: “The Parish Council is delighted that the project is moving forward and has started on site. The community is very eager to have this facility. We have already had a number of volunteers offer to help run activities at the centre, but of course we would be very happy to hear from other interested parties as well. A Centre Manager and two volunteer caretakers have already been appointed.”
The construction of the building is due for completion in early 2011, with the official opening in Spring.
