6th December 2024
Thame Town Council has been granted planning permission to build a state-of-the-art Community and Youth Centre and is currently distributing a flyer to Thame households detailing this exciting new project.
The new facility will see a revitalisation of the Southern Road Recreation area and is set to be much more than just a community hall. It will provide a dedicated space for the town's youth to connect, seek advice, and gain skills. Additionally, it will offer the community a 200+ seat venue for cinema screenings, social functions, conferences, and more.
The aim is for the Community and Youth Centre to encompass five buildings in one:
- Permanent Youth Facility: A dedicated club for Thame's youth.
- Community Hall: A versatile venue with a capacity of over 200 people.
- Catering Kiosk: A spot for the community and park visitors to grab a bite.
- Public Toilets: Conveniently located for park visitors.
- Extension to Scouts Headquarters: Providing additional facilities, accessibility, and storage.
Plus, the project will include:
- A refreshed playground with substantial additional trees, planting, and new natural play areas.
- Rejuvenation of the park, adjacent to a conservation area. The design is sensitive to the local vernacular and includes new wildlife habitats, ensuring no biodiversity loss as required by planning regulations.
- A solution to anti-social behaviour in the park.
- Utilisation of dedicated section 106 funds that can only be used in the park.
To secure funding and apply for a Public Works Loan, the Council needs to confirm public support for the Community and Youth Centre project, which may include a council tax precept increase of up to £35 a year (Band D) for loan repayments.
The flyer not only outlines the plans and funding requirements of the centre, it also includes a short questionnaire asking residents if they want the build to proceed, if they would be prepared to accept an increase in their council tax precept, and if they would like to contribute (financially of otherwise) towards the project.
Town Clerk, Mandy Sturdy, said "At a cost of £4.4 million, this building is great value for its type. The Council has been through an extensive site feasibility study, we have planning permission, and to date, the scheme has been well received by the local and wider residents of Thame. There has been extensive interest in developing facilities for the youth of Thame and renting spaces from local groups and businesses."
More information can be found on the Council’s website. Copies of the flyer are also available at the Information Centre at the Town Hall.
