A proposal to bring a new and much-needed community hub to the heart of Warfield, will be discussed by the Bracknell Forest Council’s cabinet at their meeting on Tuesday 15th October.
If the cabinet agrees to proceed with the development, the proposed multi-functional facility will be designed and built with the needs of the growing community at its core.
It is expected the proposed community hub, when complete, will be inclusive for all. It will benefit all age groups and people from all backgrounds, including children, young people, families and older people.
The hub is due to provide a range of activities to bring the community together to improve their health and wellbeing, reduce isolation, learn new skills and have fun.
Facilities proposed include:
- café
- events area
- sports hall
- mid-sized hall
- dance studio
- meeting rooms
- Warfield parish office and a council chamber
The outside space is expected to include:
- terrace area
- car park with EV charging points and bicycle spaces
- play area
- improved sports field
- landscaping
- greenway
- bridleway
The proposal is for the community hub to be open throughout the day, seven days a week. It will be built to BREEAM Excellent standards and operational net zero for a sustainable and environmentally friendly facility.
Cllr Iskander Jefferies, cabinet member for leisure, culture, public protection and democracy, said:
“For a long time, the residents of Warfield have been underserved in terms of community centre facilities, compared to other parts of the borough. While residents benefit from Brownlow Memorial Hall, owned by Warfield Church, it is no longer large enough to meet the needs of the growing community.
“Bracknell Forest Council does not currently provide a community centre in Warfield, so the proposal for the new multi-functional facility is a really exciting development and if approved, will give the residents of Warfield a central hub to come together to meet, exercise and reduce social isolation.”
Cllr Gareth Barnard, chairman of Warfield Parish Council, said:
“The proposed community hub will deliver first class community facilities in Warfield and has been many years in the making.
“The hub will provide a platform to deliver a wide range of activities and provision for residents in the local community across the flexible spaces on offer and will be open to all. The proposed hub will also be built to the highest environmental standards and is designed to meet the needs of the community now and into the future.”
The Warfield community hub is a joint project with Warfield Parish Council, and if agreed, will be located at the current Priory Fields site. It is expected to be equally funded between Bracknell Forest Council and Warfield Parish Council.
If agreed, the new hub is expected to be operational in 2027. More information and a proposed site plan can also be viewed on Warfield Parish Council’s website.
