‘Put people at heart of our new community hub’
Centre’s focus on sports ‘disappointing’ say cllrs
Plans to build a new community centre have been criticised by councillors who say its emphasis appears to be on sport rather than people who live in the area.
Heather House in Park Wood, Maidstone, is due to be demolished and replaced after serious concerns were raised about the building in Bicknor Road.
Plans for the new centre, set to open in March 2024, include a smaller main hall, a bar and lounge area and four changing rooms. A further 12 three-bedroom houses will also be built where the pavilion stands.
But at a community, housing and environment committee meeting, borough councillors criticised the design for its addition of a bar and the amount of space dedicated to sport.
Cllr Denise Joy (Maidstone Group) said: “I was disappointed to see so much emphasis had gone on the changing rooms.
“Since 2018 we made it clear it was a community centre first and although it was costly I’m
just so disappointed I’m looking at this.”
Cllr Derek Mortimer (Lib Dem) asked whether there would be a clash between residents and the Weavering Warriors Rugby Club who have a lease at the Pavilion building.
He said: “When we voted for this we were promoting a community
centre for Park Wood and beyond.”
Cllr Lewis McKenna (Con) also had reservations. He said: “It feels like we’ve designed it for the rugby club and the community hall is an after thought.”
Planning officers admitted there were a lot of changing rooms but this was down to the
two sports fields which could hold four teams on a busy day.
They also claimed bars were common in many community centres and it would help with taking back costs.
In a vote councillors unanimously asked planning officers to reconsider the plans for the centre.