Designs for a new community centre and affordable housing scheme in the heart of Teddington have been submitted for planning approval.
Earlier this year, Richmond Council asked local people for their views on proposals for a new fit-for-purpose community centre on the North Lane East Car Park, Teddington a former run-down depot site. It will be funded by 100 per cent affordable housing on the existing Elleray Hall site.
Elleray Hall in Teddington is home to a popular daytime social centre for residents across the borough. The current building, including the original section constructed in 1911, has reached the end of its useful life.
As well as being beyond repair, it is too costly to maintain and heat. The vision for the proposed community centre secures a new facility at the heart of the local community.
It will continue to offer a wide variety of services to older residents, but because of its flexible design, it will also host events, classes and activities aimed at a broader range of groups and individuals. If plans get the green light, it will mean current users will move from the old facility and into the new one overnight.
More than 200 local people voiced their opinions on the proposals. Around 70 per cent agreed that the proposed design for the new centre would allow a greater range of users and increased utilisation of it.
As a result of the feedback from the community, the designs submitted for planning consideration include changes to window pitches (to ensure privacy for those who live nearby), increased mature landscaping and an additional car club bay in North Lane West car park.
After the statutory consultation, it is expected the proposal will go to committee later in the year.
Cllr Michael Wilson, lead member for communities and the voluntary sector, said: “We are one step closer to being able to provide the residents of Teddington and the surrounding areas with a fit-for-purpose community centre – a community asset that will have flexible indoor space as well as outdoor space, bringing benefits to our older residents and offering people of all ages many opportunities to become more active, engaged and motivated.
“By moving the centre to a nearby location, as well as being able to provide much needed affordable housing, we can also offer service users continuous service.’
Joan Barnett, chairman of Elleray Community Association, said: “After so many years of discussion and delay, it is reassuring to see our councillors and the local authority really getting behind the need to provide an excellent new community centre and developing a proposal that gives our members just about everything they need while offering so many benefits to others in our community.”
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