Content

RESOLVED
 
i)              
To proceed with the design of a community hall, carpark and
changing facilities
 
RECOMMENDED TO
COUNCIL 

 
ii)             
To remove the existing £2.75m capital budget from the 2022
Highwood scheme and instead approve a capital budget of
£0.15m in 2025/26 to carry out: • the installation of
physical security elements, • the building of temporary
carparking for 12 cars

 
iii)            
To approve a revenue budget of £0.2m in 2025/26 for the
contracting of a building designer up to take a design to RIBA
Stage 4.
 
 
REASONS
 
i)              
To provide community facilities in accordance with the Land West of
Horsham masterplan 2008 and in alignment with the 2025 feedback
from the community consultation.

 
ii)             
Council must approve a capital budget.
 
 
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED BUT REJECTED AS
IDENTIFIED IN THE REPORT
 

i)     
In 2022, there was intention to have a facility for a nursery
however this was not viable because the selected nursery provider
could no longer pursue an interest. The general escalation of
material costs across the sector and the departure of key staff
impacted their business model.
 

ii)    
The previous decision around the provision of a community hall on
the site was taken in the context of the planned loss of the Drill
Hall. That facility is now remaining, and the Hall will receive
significant investment which will make it a desirable hall that is
available for community use. Furthermore, the Blackbridge Community Centre has capacity for
further community use. There is a community meeting room at the
fire station and there are community halls with capacity at
Broadbridge Heath and North Horsham. There are 24 other halls
available for hire within Horsham town providing over 3,900
spaces.
 

iii)   
It is the view of officers that the scheme should comprise changing
rooms, toilets and car parking only. This would enable the local
football clubs to use the pitches, in particular girls and
women’s football teams who are required to have this
provision as well as being a key wellbeing focus. There is
significant growth in female football at all ages, and enabling
this is an important part in the Council enabling a healthy
community.
 

iv)   
Not providing a hall has been rejected on the grounds that
Councillors believe a small hall in Highwood will help build the
sense of community in this development.
 

v)    
Providing a much larger hall as part of the facility. This has been
rejected by Councillors on the grounds of excessive cost and
desirability by the local community.