Opening the door for more community services to restart in South Ham
More community services and activities look set to restart later this year following a partnership effort to secure additional space in South Ham for a community association after its centre had to close.
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has purchased the leasehold interest in the former Beacon pub, in Kings Road, after it was put on the market by its former owner.
The building will now be leased to housing provider SNG (Sovereign Network Group) who are working alongside Westside Community Association to explore how it could be refurbished to provide a welcoming space for people of all ages in South Ham to connect.
Subject to the work required to bring the building back into use, it is expected to re-open later in the year.
The borough council and SNG have been supporting Westside Community Association to find more space for its community activities, following the enforced closure of Westside Community Centre and Library due to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete RAAC panels found in the building.
As part of this work, a new shop has opened in Kings Road providing space for a community café and pantry and other services are currently being delivered at Russell Howard Park and the Ridgeway Centre in Buckskin.
The council will continue to work with Sovereign Hill Partnership and Westside Community Association to explore opportunities for community facilities for South Ham in the longer term, as part of the partnership’s work to create a plan for the future.
Sovereign Hill Partnership (SHP) is an equal partnership between SNG and Housebuilder the Hill Group. SHP is engaging with the communities in Buckskin and South Ham about meaningful change for the future of the area - options may include refurbishing homes and the regeneration or renewal of parts of the estates.
Cabinet Member for Communities, Partnerships and Inclusion Cllr John McKay said: “We have heard first-hand how important the services and activities run by Westside Community Association are to the local community. We have been doing everything we can to explore opportunities for temporary space in the heart of South Ham to support them to restart more activities for residents of all ages.
“The purchase of this building provides a unique space to provide these life changing activities in a central and accessible location. We are working closely with SNG and Westside Community Association to firm up plans for the building.
“Alongside this work, we understand how important a purpose-built facility is for the community so we are continuing to understand how this could be delivered as a long-term solution as part of Sovereign Hill Partnership’s emerging investment plans for the area.”
Tom Titherington, SNG’s Chief Investment & Development Officer, said: “We have heard very clearly that this centre is vital for many people in the west of Basingstoke, and I’m delighted we are able to offer short-term support as we work together towards a long-term solution, ensuring the Community Association continues to thrive.”
Nicky Blunden, Westside Community Association added: “This opportunity has allowed us to rethink how we work and ensure key services remain available for the community.
“With help from SNG and the Council, we’re excited to start to shape ideas to maximise the use of the space at the new facility.”