Rother community hub

THE dream of putting key voluntary sector organisations under a single roof moved a step nearer reality on Monday when Rother cabinet gave its blessing to the idea of creating a Rother community hub.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Apr 2007, 10:41 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 19:42 BST

The idea of putting them into the long-vacant former NatWest Bank building on the Buckhurst Road/Amherst Road corner was conceived by Rother Voluntary Action's social enterprise director only a month ago.

The idea is for the hub to accommodate Rother Voluntary Action, Bexhill Community Partnership, Rother Race Action Forum and Bexhill Young People's Services.

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The principal need to is re-house Rother Citizens' Advice Bureau. The short-term lease on the CAB's present Endwell Road premises is about to expire.

Though the bank chambers would offer an increase in space, the rent would be marginally beyond the current resources available to the tenants. For the scheme to go ahead Rother would need to give some assistance.

Rother director of resources Tony Leonard told Monday's cabinet meeting it is felt there would be:

*Clear financial benefits and efficiencies

*Potential benefits to the citizens and organisations of Rother

*Benefits from working in partnership

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The bank chambers are not only close to the shops, bus and train links but to Rother's Community Help Point.

Mr Leonard said: "This will permit a greater degree of coordination and referral between agencies with better outcomes for most in need of advice and support.

"In addition, the hub will be able to support other Rother community organisations through the provision of office space, meetings space, accounting services and other resources."

The cabinet resolved to work in partnership with interested parties to establish the hub; to review the terms of the service level agreement by which it funds Rother Citizens' Advice Bureau with a maximum increase of 3,000 in funding for 2007-2008 to be met from earkmarked reserves and to provide 20,000 from earmarked reserves to provide match-funding for refurbishment of the premises.

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Cllr Bob White said: "I am wholeheartedly supportive." So many organisations which were so important to so many people would be grouped together.

Cllr Ian Jenkins said: "It is a marvellous project. It is something that people not only in Bexhill but in the rural areas should be proud of."

Cllr Joy Hughes said: "I will be pleased to see a lovely old building used again."