Decision Maker: Cabinet, Council

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: May 21, 2025

Purpose:

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.