August 2019

Dear Hardwick Resident,

Below is the most recent update regarding the progress of the proposed new Hardwick Community Centre.

So far the Hardwick Community Centre Working Group (HCCWG) have:-

A/ Consulted widely on the most favoured and possible locations for a new building, whilst looking at similar projects around Cambridgeshire

B/ Identified the best and the most favoured location and possible design C/ Drawn up draft plans for the location chosen

D/ Interviewed and appointed a firm of architects to carry out the work

E/ Liaised throughout with the Parish Council who are ultimately responsible for the project.

The most recent work has been looking at the chosen site with the architects.

The preferred site is next to the existing pavilion and on approximately half of the existing tennis courts / multi sport area, referred to in our reports as the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area). This MUGA is used regularly but often for activities that do not require such a large area, so we feel it is the ideal site for a multi use Community Centre with plans drawn to link it to the pavilion to create an even more extensive facility.

This site was the one that gained the most support at our last public meeting and is one that keeps the building central to the village, without encroaching towards the houses in Egremont Road. The Parish Council has also agreed to pursue the planting of extra trees along Egremont Road to improve the outlook for the houses and add to the general attractiveness of the area.

Before our recent site meeting with the architects there was some concern locally about the prospect of the St Neots Road development not going ahead and therefore leaving the project short of its £1.1 million target build. Approximately £400,000 of the total s106 monies is expected from this development. Our information, as of now, is that the build has been delayed but is still going ahead.

We have, as a group, looked at various types of funding, including a bridging loan to cover this gap, if it is needed, in order that the project can stay on time. We have now advised the Parish Council that the HCCWG

is no longer actively considering bridging loan facilities and accepts that it is now more likely that there could be a delay, or a two phase build could be planned if the monies are not forthcoming. We have been advised by the architects that a two phase build would be more expensive and that their advice for now is to apply for a planning application for the full size building and request planners to agree to an amended application should change be necessary.

The Parish Council agreed that the HCCWG should proceed to a planning application stage on the basis of a maximum budget (including contingencies) of £1,100,000. The PC understands that this could mean a potential shortfall of £68,000 but that there are a number of opportunities for bridging this gap should it arise. The Parish Council also understands that the figure of £1,100,000 is the best estimate we currently have for building but that this is subject to change. The PC also understands that lodging a planning application could be 9-12 months away, by which time we hope to have a better idea of the amounts and timing of s106 funds from the St Neots Road development.

If either cost estimates change or s106 funds from St Neots Road fail to materialise or a planning application for building on the MUGA fails then it will be necessary to revisit and amend plans after the planning application and submit a revised application.

At the moment, however, we feel we are still on course for a substantial community facility to be available in approximately three years.