Presentation slides from Great Lumley Community Centre public meeting about the future of the Community Centre

1. +
The Future of the
Community Centre

2. +
What we did
Test the feasibility of running the
Centre without the County
Council
Building survey
Consultation of users, local
people and groups
Learning from other centres
Review of costs and income

3. +
Findings: Uses
Currently well used and well liked
Wide variety of uses by most parts of the
community
Unmet demand at peak times limited by
flexibility of space
Potential to bring in more daytime uses
(e,g, health) and weekend uses (e.g.
private hire)

4. +
Findings: Breaking even
Currently just about break even
Scope to reduce costs – mainly in
staffing & energy
Scope to increase income through:
Growing existing activities
Providing new activities
Hire of space
Higher fees
Need to strengthen management and
promotion to improve viability

5. +
Findings: Repair & Maintenance
Significant investment required:
Flat roofs need replacing
Windows are rotten
Heating and electrics are at the end of their
economic life
Female toilets are in need of refurbishment

6. +
Findings: Potential improvements
Access
External appeal
Security
Circulation
Flexibility and space constraints
Lack of facilities or inadequate facilities

7. +
Before & After

8. +
Findings: Sources of funding
County Council
Charitable Trusts
Landfill Tax
Green Deal
Community Fundraising
‘Social investment’
Lottery ‘Power to Change’ (not in report)

9. +
Options
Two main options:
1. Extensive refurbishment:
• Phase 1: Essential repairs, changing facilities, fitness suite,
new entrance, new heating system
• Phase 2: Further internal layout changes, new toilets &
lighting, further repairs
2. New build (smaller centre)

10. +
Recommendations & Next Steps
Committee to agree on preferred option
Confirm costings through full Feasibility Study, to include:
Detailed design and costing
Further essential surveys (e.g. asbestos and bats)
Additional business planning
Bid writing
Agree Heads of Terms with County Council
Simplify leasehold arrangements for 3 parts of the building