Hornsea community hub plans get thumbs-up
Plans to transform a church hall into a community centre been given the thumbs-up.
Hornsea residents were delighted with the first designs of the £500,000 revamp of the town's Methodist Church Hall, in Newbegin.
The proposals, unveiled at a public consultation on Friday and Saturday, include the creation of a multi-purpose function room and a meeting chamber for the town council.
Resident John Kilby said: "I went to the exhibition and was extremely impressed.
"It will be a real asset to the town.
"The design saves a distinguished 1875 building . Not only saving it but transforming the use into the 21st century.
"It also exploits the views of Hall Garth Park.
"I am full of hope for this and believe the impact will be very positive."
Mr Kilby's wife Beryl said: "The new town building will be in the centre of the town.
"Some people see the leisure centre area as the centre however this reasserts what is really the centre of the town."
Hull-based architects Gelder and Kitchen were appointed to design the conversion and funding for the project will come from a public works loan over 25 years.
Jean Robinson, part of a working party behind the plans which include the mayor, Councillor John Miller, said: "There were some very good ideas mentioned by residents, which included the possible storage space for community groups.
"We had a lot of people at the public consultation and I didn't hear of one negative comment.
"The idea of this is for a town centre focal point which can be used by the community as a one-stop help for residents and visitors."
More than 150 people are estimated to have attended the public consultation, with 100 leaving feedback.
Committee members will now meet with the architects were they will take all the suggestions on board.
They will then report to Hornsea Town Council, before putting together the planning application.
16 Comments
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by P.R, Newbegin
Wednesday, March 17 2010, 8:24PM
“Now add this to the cost of Hornsea Palace .
Wake up Hornsea residents start demanding to know who is paying, how much and for what?
Quote
"Cabinet approves £360k retirement deal
Sue Lockwood, East Riding Council's corporate resources director, is to retire early ¿ costing taxpayers £364,205."”
by P.R, Newbegin
Wednesday, March 03 2010, 9:05PM
“Why is it that whenever figures, facts, money Government links, Local Government Association links, Economists, or other evidence is quoted, our local council has nothing more to say?”
by marie, Hornsea
Wednesday, March 03 2010, 7:23PM
“It would be great if we could make use of local businesses like 'Sanbobs'. More business for our local traders, more success for our town. Please don' let our council put us all in hoc (debt) for £500,000 plus for years and years to come. We will all regret it when our local taxes rise and businesses are forced to close because of business rate increases and unfair competion from supermarket chains like Tesco.”
by P.R, Newbegin
Wednesday, March 03 2010, 7:03PM
“Now that makes sense. A posh meeting room costing at least half a million pounds
( probably far more) which will make no money at all; OR, help local Hornsea business people who pay business rates and make a real and vital contribution to our little town.
I know what I will be telling these 3 councillors, forget your meeting rooms, use Sandbobs instead. Spend our money on sensible and viable projects to benefit Hornsea and all the residents who are not councillors.”
by Ian, Hornsea
Wednesday, March 03 2010, 6:54PM
“A radical thought, instead of poutting £500,000 plus into a posh meeting room for a few local councillors, why not give our local traders the money to help them stay in business. It might even attract more local traders into the centre of Hornsea. This would be far better and 'greener' than making visitors and residents trail to yet another sterile Tesco supermarket. Think Quality for a change, support your local Hornsea Traders.”