Wormley Community Centre Set for Major Redevelopment
Planning permission has been granted for an ambitious refurbishment and extension to Wormley Community Centre.
For many years the Centre faced an uncertain future and was in danger of being demolished. Wormley and Turnford Big Local (WTBL), a Lottery funded community development project, entered into a four-year negotiation with Broxbourne Borough Council and with the support of the community and local councillors aimed to convince them that it had a viable future and should be saved. They were successful and in April 2021 were granted a 999 year lease.
Big Local worked closely with the local award winning RIBA chartered architecture practice Cassell Tarring Ltd to develop a plan to enable a sustainable future for the building. Together they have produced a proposal that provides a significant expansion and complete remodel of the existing building, including a second smaller hall, further studio space on the first floor and a new café at the heart of the local community. This will enable the Centre to become a significant multipurpose venue that will financially sustain itself for the long term.
Since taking over the Centre work to refresh it started immediately with a fresh coat of paint both inside and outside, enhancements to the outdoor courtyard area and kitchen, plus the creation of a brand new room for hire offering a space for smaller groups, activities and meetings. It has become a thriving, sought after local venue for hire, attracting not only private party hirers but also statutory and voluntary sector organisations running events, activities, advice and health services that directly benefit the community. Big Local’s vision has always been to redevelop the Centre in order to meet its full potential and ensure sustainability, growth and exciting future opportunities.
Noelle Blackman, Chair of Broxbourne Big Local the charity formed to take on the lease, said:
“I am delighted that the planning department has approved the proposals. Our challenge is now to fund and coordinate this ambitious project. We are able to fund the first stage of the project from money allocated specifically for this from the original lottery funding and are looking to match this with further grant funding. We will also be launching a community fundraising initiative to support and enable the full vision to be completed. We look forward to bringing together the whole community to get behind and support this exciting vision.”
There will be a thoroughly planned phased approach, which will enable the centre to remain operating throughout the development.
Planning approval details and drawings can be viewed in the planning section of the Broxbourne Borough Council website.
