New Community Centre for Bemerton Heath
3rd Dec 2008
The doors to a new community centre are soon to be opened on Salisbury’s largest housing estate at Bemerton Heath.
On 5 December 2008 the long held wish of the community of Bemerton Heath will become a reality when the new Bemerton Heath Community Centre opens on Pinewood Way, adjacent to the existing Neighbourhood Centre.
The building, a former shop and flat, is owned and funded by Salisbury District Council. Extensive building works and refurbishment has been undertaken to provide a large ground floor community room and kitchenette with a further three meeting or activity rooms and a kitchen on the first floor. Toilet facilities are available on both floors.
The project cost £50,000, approximately 75% of which came from developers’ funds.
Activities from the Community Centre will be run by the local community group, the Bemerton Heath Residents’ Association (BHRA). The BHRA has strived for the past eight years to have a central venue on Bemerton Heath from which to deliver activities and services to the community.
Planned activities include a luncheon club for senior citizens, youth clubs for different age groups, a slimming and keep fit club, bingo, games and drop–in sessions and a monthly film night. The community centre will be also be available for community and individual hire and several organisations have already shown interest in basing their activities at the centre.
A central venue for use by the community was one of the most requested facilities that came out of a large–scale consultation with residents during 2007. Somewhere for young people to meet and ‘hang out’ with their friends in a safe environment away from the streets, was particularly highlighted.
Cllr Iris Evans, Chairman of the Bemerton Heath Residents Association and local ward councillor, said; “This is a great day for the people of Bemerton Heath and the beginning of an exciting new phase in the life of the local community.
“We have had tremendous support from the district council and from many local people who have worked extremely hard to turn a dream into reality.
“I look forward to the day, very soon I hope, when the new centre is buzzing with activity and is seen by everyone as an indispensable part of the community.”
Cllr Paul Sample, Leader of the Council, said; “I’m delighted that Salisbury has been able to deliver this much needed facility for the Bemerton Heath community.
“This is a hugely worthwhile project and it’s been a long hard road to get it off the ground. I’m really pleased that the district council has been able to support the efforts of local people and bring the centre to fruition.
“I’m sure that the new Community Centre will be a wonderful asset to the people of Bemerton Heath and I look forward to seeing it become a key part of community life.”
Cllr Steve Fear, Deputy Leader of the Council, said; “This is a great example of how local councils can work with local people to deliver something of real value to their community.
“The new centre will be a true community resource – run by the community, for the community and I’m sure that it will be well used by people of all ages from Bemerton Heath.”
