Published on Thursday 23 January 2020
The first steps towards the development and creation of a new community hub in Bourne, Alderney are underway, with works due to start on the relocation and installation of a new play area in February 2020.
The current play area, which has reached its end-of-use, is being relocated as part of a wider scheme that is considering the creation of a new community centre. The new play area, which will be situated on the green space between Arne Avenue and Arne Crescent, will include toddler and junior swings, a 12 metre zipwire, a slalom rope walk and inclusive play panels.
During spring 2019, a team from the Bourne Community Group, Poole Communities Trust (PCT) and BCP Council met with local children and young people, parents, carers and grandparents at various locations around Bourne to undertake engagement and consultation on the play activities and equipment people would like to see locally. This formed the basis of a grant application made by the Poole Communities Trust (PCT) to the Veolia Environment Trust, who support local community and environmental projects across England through the Landfill Communities Fund, using money provided by Veolia.
The PCT secured £73,000 funding from the Veolia Environmental Trust and provided their own contribution of £7,300, with an additional £5,850 coming from the Section 106 developers’ contributions to bring this project to life.
Councillor Felicity Rice, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change commented:
"This successful community-led project will provide a valuable facility for residents to enjoy, bringing a renewed sense of pride to the area. Improving our outdoor spaces for children, young people and their families, promotes happy, active lifestyles and contributes to the health and wellbeing of the community.
"This is a great example of BCP Council working together with charities and community groups towards a better future for our residents."
Kerry Manning, Chair of the Bourne Community Group, said "It’s wonderful to see that all the ideas children and young people had for the new play area are going to happen. Not only will this be a fun new facility for local children and young people but it is a great example of how getting involved in your local community can make a huge difference."
Chris Beale, Chair of Poole Communities Trust said "We are very grateful to the Veolia Environment Trust for the £73,000 grant. This is a wonderful step to improve facilities in Bourne and after much planning with the community and fundraising, our wider ambitions for the Community Hub are in touching distance"
Work on the new play area is expected to last around 5 weeks, opening in the Spring.