13th August 2026
The main item on the agenda was to appoint a contractor for the build of the Community and Youth Centre.
Councillors considered the latest project update, funding scenarios and the recommendation from the Capital Project Working Group on appointing a preferred contractor. Councillors discussed the scale of the decision, fundraising progress, value engineering, project management arrangements, fit-out costs and the importance of securing wider community benefit through the project. The Council agreed to appoint the recommended contractor and to drawdown the full Public Works Loan if required.
Councillors acknowledged that this was a significant decision, but agreed it was the right step for the town and will continue to progress the project accordingly.
The minutes of this meeting will be available next week. You can view the agenda and reports on the Council website, which Councillors were presented with when making this decision.
Planning Matters
Also on the agenda at Full Council was the planning application to add equipment on the Town Hall to enhance town centre internet and Wi-Fi for residents, visitors and businesses. Whilst the Town Council remains fully supportive of the initiative, unfortunately the listed building application presented did not contain enough detail to be supported.
A number of smaller planning applications, and the appeal at Howland Road for the energy storage facility, were discussed at the Planning Committee meeting prior. The minutes of the Planning Committee meeting can be viewed on our website.
