People power shapes planned new community centre

A proposal for a new community centre at Arborfield Green is taking a major step forward with the expected approval of a new design and construction programme.

This has been shaped by extensive consultation with a steering group of residents and parish and ward councillors to ensure it meets the community’s needs.

The revised approach will go before the council's decision-making executive for agreement in principle tomorrow (Thursday, 20 November).

If this is agreed, the new centre could be built and opened by early 2028, subject to a further planning application to confirm the details.

The council will also seek a third-party operator, who will be involved in the design process.

Getting it right to create a lasting legacy

In 2023, the council approved Crest's detailed planning application to house the community centre in a disused military training facility (pictured above) next to Arborfield Green Leisure Centre.

Since then, further assessment has concluded that refurbishing the building would offer poor long-term value as it would be expensive to maintain and heat.

This is largely due to its age and condition, and the fact that it doesn't meet modern energy efficiency standards, so it could be prohibitive for any tenant.

The new approach would see Crest demolish the existing building and hand part of the site to the council, along with a financial contribution to cover the construction costs. 

Crest has already allocated this sum to the project as part of a legal agreement.

The council would then build an accessible, inclusive community facility with a café, library, flexible meeting spaces and spaces to hire.

Ensuring all views considered before going ahead

Cllr Stephen Conway, the leader of Wokingham Borough Council, said: “Following some highly constructive talks on design principles, we’re working to bring this much-needed local amenity forward as quickly as we can.

“As the number of people living in this area continues to grow, in line with the requirements of the Government’s planning policies, it's essential that we offer everything they need for a balanced, vibrant and healthy life.

“It has taken time to ensure that all views are considered, but this high-quality infrastructure will serve the community for many years so we need to get it right.

“We'd like to thank everyone who has helped us reach this point, and we will continue to work with the community on the detailed design to ensure we have the right facility for the future.”

The council has investigated the option to build a larger design on the site, but this would cost significantly more. In light of ongoing financial challenges, the council couldn’t meet the difference from its own funds. 

Additional sources like grants or working with partners would be required, and the council is prepared to investigate all avenues.

However, the baseline design would still meet a wide range of needs and can be improved if money becomes available.

A new community coming together

The community centre will be part of a wider district centre for Arborfield Green, which is now taking shape with the first retail units expected to be completed next year.

A Sainsbury's supermarket opened earlier this year, and work is now under way on additional retail units with pedestrian areas as well as new homes and public green spaces.

Arborfield Green is also served by a new secondary and primary school, nature parks and new roads, all funded through agreements with developers.

The existing community centre off Princess Marina Drive will remain open until its replacement is completed, and will then be repurposed by Crest for housing.

The new centre could include suitable rooms for non-acute health services, but the decision to provide these services would rest with local NHS commissioning bodies and not the council.