Community hub approved for Slindon

The development of Slindon Forge into a community shop, cafe and information centre has been approved. It will act as a village hub providing services and a recreational area.

“As a village in the past four years we have lost our post office, pub and village shop – the village has lost its focal point its centre,” Arun district councillor Norman Dingemans said.

“The new community centre would bring a social aspect to the village, something which in recent years it has been missing.”

The new hub will become a focal point for village life, replacing some of the services which have disappeared.

It is hoped the tearoom and shop along with outdoor table and chairs will create a sense of a village square. Applicant Michael Imms said: “This will be a community project run by the village, and it will bring life back into the area.”

Using black-painted weather-boarding and profile sheet-roofing, the seven metre by 17 metre extension will be in keeping with the character of the village, creating the appearance of a rustic farm building.

“Through our design we will keep the forges historic value as it will remain intact and the forge hearth will be displayed,” said Mr Imms, “we want to preserve and protect the past and insure that it is not lost.”

The current structure has been disused for a number of years and will need significant restoration before it can be reopened.

Mr Imms said: “The forge has been used largely as a store and therefore has not been used consistently for a decade.”

The last tenant surrendered their lease in April 2008, and since then there had been three enquires – one from a mobile blacksmith who wanted to use the land to train apprentices, the second from an artisan who was not prepared to undertake the work needed and the third from someone in Wales.

A National Trust representative said: “The building is no longer fit for purpose, and it would cost an enormous amount of money and significant redevelopment to make it workable.”

Car parking for the hub will be provided at the Coronation Hall.