Agreement has been reached in principle with the Bullingdon Community Association (BCA) for the demolition of the defective Bullingdon Community Centre building and its replacement with a brand new purpose-built facility, using off-site modular construction methods.
A revised budget for the works of £1 million is being put forward to the City Council’s capital programme, and we hope to commence construction next year subject to final approval in the Council’s annual Budget meeting in February.
In the meantime, City Council officers will continue to work with BCA trustees to optimise the design of the new community centre within the budget assigned. The Council will also compensate the BCA for the loss of income it suffered as certain community groups were moved out of the centre prior to the planned start of works earlier this year.
Cllr Christine Simm, Executive Board Member for Supporting Local Communities, said: "It’s unfortunate that the original project for partial rebuilding of the Bullingdon Community Centre ran into problems. Since then we have been working with the BCA Trustees and architects to look at other options. We’ve now decided the best way forward is to start afresh with a brand new community centre, built on the same site. This will involve modern construction methods, which will bring down the construction, maintenance and running costs of the new building.
“Not everything has gone as smoothly as we would have wished with this project - communications could have been better - and we have learned lessons. However, what is undoubtedly the case is that partnership working is key to building stronger communities, and I’m pleased that representatives from the Bullingdon Community Association are part of the project board charged with making this new community centre a reality."
Richard Bryant, Secretary of the Bullingdon Community Association, said: "The Trustees and the groups who use the community centre are delighted with the news that a new community centre will be built on the existing site. The last two years have been very challenging and turbulent for the BCA, and this positive development is due, in no small part, to the collective support we have received from local groups, residents and councillors. It has been a fine example of our community refusing to give up in the face of adversity."
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