The idea
We are seeking funding to bring the designs of a fantastic new community annexe at St george's through the planning process and enable us to move into the main phase of finalising technical designs and ultimately construction.
Initial funding to create the designs of this community annexe has ben invested, but to bring this to fruition we first need planning permission. You can see more on the plans at www.stgeorgeshistoryandfuture.co.uk/future.
The community annexe will have a community cafe with kitchen that could be used to teach cooking skills and train apprentices. Two main rooms which can be combined to create one large space and a smaller meeting room office along with toilets.
These spaces will be open to the whole community to use in numerous ways, but we hope to see a regular youth club, lunch club, support groups and various community groups meeting regularly. They can also host larger one off events, for example film evenings or craft days.
What we'll deliver
- Planning Permission for the community annexe
- Finalised designs and reports for planning authority
- Community engagement
Why it's a great idea
The recent Washington survey that over 7000 people responded to highlighted the need for local centres for communites and safe spaces for young people. This annexe intends to be a hub for the local community through a community cafe, enable local events/activities and be available for people to be involved.
It will enable existing groups to expand and develop, including the regular coffee morning, lunch club, craft group, toddler group, bereavement support, modelling group and youth groups.
In the community questionnaire we sent out locally, (https://surveyhero.com/c/243ea19e), almost all respondants agreed there is a real need for better facilities in our area.
Since the closure of the Harraton School, on the West Side of the A182 there are next to no other facilities for local people where over 4400 people live, 25% of whom are retired and over 500 children live (data taken from last census). St George's existing facilities are limited and are often pushed beyond capacity.
Steps to get it done
- Completing required reports for planning application
- Gaining planning permission
- Pressing on to full techincal designs, fundraising and finally construction.
On top of adding ways the local community can benefit, the annexe will also improve the sustainability of the church that serves teh local community in many ways already through baptism, weddings, funerals, hosting local school events and services, services of worship, groups to think about and discuss faith issues, plus the numerous community groups that already run mentioned elsewhere. Details of all of these can be found on our website. www.stgeorgesfatfield.co.uk
