Decision

Approve the release and allocation of £20,000 Section 106 (S106) funding to support the feasibility study required to confirm the viability and affordability of the proposed refurbishment and reconfiguration to meet current and future community needs Farley Wood Community Centre.

Authorise officers to explore a CIL contribution from Binfield Parish Council towards the refurbishment project, with any agreed funding to be formalised through a Development Agreement.

Approve an internal officer working group to support project development and report to the Project Steering Group.

Reasons for the decision

Original refurbishment plans for the centre began in 2012 to increase capacity and improve facilities, but the project was delayed due to funding changes, and later, the pandemic and staffing pressures. In 2023, the project was revived with additional Section 106 funding and revised proposals developed by FWCA and Bracknell Forest Council to better meet current community needs and support the centre’s long-term sustainability.

While a number of improvements have been undertaken in recent years, including window replacements and air conditioning installation, the building requires significant refurbishment and reconfiguration to meet current and future community needs.

Approval of the feasibility study findings will be required before the project progresses to the detailed design and implementation stages.

Alternative options considered

Do not progress feasibility study and associated technical and professional assessments. This would prevent the development of detailed project proposals and reliable cost estimates, limiting the Council's ability to assess the project's viability and secure stakeholder commitments.

Without confirmed project costs and funding needs, discussions on a potential CIL contribution and Development Agreement cannot progress, delaying the project and its community benefits.

If a CIL contribution is not secured, the project could still proceed using available Section 106 funding, subject to approval and a feasibility study. However, the scope of works would be reduced to reflect available funding, limiting the range of improvements that can be delivered.