The Riverside Centre is a new community centre which will be in the industrial looking building (old Youth Centre) next to the Co-Op in Gloucester Rd, Malmesbury. This 'Campus' project is a Wiltshire Council initiative.
The idea is that the centre will be run by The Friends of Riverside for community groups and individuals to use and will also provide a place for services to be delivered by Wiltshire Council and other organisations and somewhere for these organisations to 'hot desk'. Last night an 'update' presentation was given at the Area Board meeting and some of that information is shared here.
I am part of Friends of Riverside and personally believe we are very fortunate that Malmesbury was added into the 'Campus' programme, which has so far concentrated on much larger centres such as Corsham. Also, our circumstances are a little different to the set up of the others, in that our building was originally leased by Wiltshire Council for Youth Services, but it is no longer needed for this purpose due to reorganisation.
So why a Campus on this particular site?
Well, I can see some very positive reasons for this:
The idea is that the centre will be run by The Friends of Riverside for community groups and individuals to use and will also provide a place for services to be delivered by Wiltshire Council and other organisations and somewhere for these organisations to 'hot desk'. Last night an 'update' presentation was given at the Area Board meeting and some of that information is shared here.
I am part of Friends of Riverside and personally believe we are very fortunate that Malmesbury was added into the 'Campus' programme, which has so far concentrated on much larger centres such as Corsham. Also, our circumstances are a little different to the set up of the others, in that our building was originally leased by Wiltshire Council for Youth Services, but it is no longer needed for this purpose due to reorganisation.
So why a Campus on this particular site?
Well, I can see some very positive reasons for this:
- The wonderful skate park at the back of the building, which residents and Wiltshire Council worked together for around 12 years to make happen. (I don't believe anyone would wish to see young people lose this facility. This might be a possibility should the leased building no longer be required for community use).
- The ability for residents to access some services locally and not to have to travel to nearby towns and for the service providers to use the 'hot desking' facility. (For example, Children's Services are currently under review by Wiltshire Council. Should it be required, then there is the potential for some services to be delivered at Riverside. Not forgetting that it could also be a meeting place for local Parents and Toddler/ Young Childrens groups etc as well as other users).
- There is and will be a need for extra community space, because of the approx 400 new houses which are being built at this end of Malmesbury Town on two different sites (not forgetting more housing in the rest of Malmesbury and the Community Area).
- The location is just across from the long stay car park, which has 2 hours free parking and much reduced charges for all day parking and it is also quite close to Malmesbury Primary School.
- The interior of the building is already set up for community use, although there are a few internal structural changes which will be made, for example to open up the space and to provide a community cafe area. There will also be new toilet facilities for the Skate Park and a separate entrance. Many of the rooms will basically remain as they are, but will be freshly painted and with new flooring.
- Wiltshire Council have made a commitment with the long term lease.
After working on this project for more than 18 months, the Shadow Community Operations Board, the 'working party' for Wiltshire Council, has now become the easier titled Friends of Riverside. We are now at the exciting stage of seeing building plans (subject to consent) for planning approval. Although the refurbishment will be very modest compared to other campuses. I am sure the Centre will be well used and valued.
Re a future timeline, we anticipate an open presentation evening next January for people to see the old building and plans for the changes. We will also be looking then at expressions of interest by community groups and individuals who may wish to use the centre.
Finally, we are hoping for a midsummer opening date, once all the work to the building has been completed.
Re a future timeline, we anticipate an open presentation evening next January for people to see the old building and plans for the changes. We will also be looking then at expressions of interest by community groups and individuals who may wish to use the centre.
Finally, we are hoping for a midsummer opening date, once all the work to the building has been completed.
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