Plans revealed for major refurbishment of Southbourne community centre
Plans have been submitted to refurbish and redevelop a long-standing community centre in Southbourne.
The centre in New Road is currently home to Southbourne and District Age Concern and Southbourne Men’s Shed, both of which provide facilities and activities for local residents.
The proposals would see the existing buildings undergo internal and external refurbishment, including changes to the windows and roof covering. An existing external building to the north of the site would be demolished and replaced with a new single-storey building.
Plans also include new office space to the south of the Age Concern building, alongside a proposed change of use to a mixed F2/Class E use.
Age Concern has occupied the site since 1978, with the freehold owned by West Sussex County Council. The site includes the Men’s Shed, which provides a workshop and meeting space for the community.
A council report said the buildings were in a ‘very poor condition’ and required either refurbishment or redevelopment.
Age Concern had been exploring ways to fund the necessary work or find an alternative building. According to the council, the charity had subsequently identified Section 106 (S106) funding through work with Chichester District Council, but accessing the money required a sufficiently long lease.
The council said the site's long history of community use, the condition of the buildings, the potential availability of S106 funding and ‘considerable community interest’ were among the reasons it was considered suitable for a Community Asset Transfer.
The report added that transferring public assets to community organisations could help provide ‘more responsive services that better meet local people’s priorities’.
To view the application visit Chichester District Council’s planning portal using the reference: 26/01954/FUL