At the Council meeting of 6 December 2017 there was a question regarding the Alton Activity Centre. This being Question 27 which is part of the Paper ‘Questions to Cabinet Members and Chairmen’.
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(27) Alton Activity Centre: Question raised by Councillor Ambache to the Cabinet Member for Education and Children‟s Services:
The Alton Activity Centre has remained underused since it was closed by the Council in March 2016. Since then Play Rangers have opened the building and play area just twice a week in term times and three times a week during the holiday.
When I asked about this at the March 2017 Council Meeting I was told that lease negotiations had been concluded and that a meeting with parents was going to happen shortly. Further, I was told that there were various exciting plans for the community which included:
‘ ….future opportunities which will include an after school programme of arts, leisure and play projects; open access to the playground area after school and during school holidays, the development of a community café and local hub space hosting events such as play readings, performances and rehearsal events, and health visitor clinics and workshops.’
When I asked about this again at the last Council (11thOctober) and I was told by the Cabinet Member about the proposed agreement with the third party operator:
„ ….that lease negotiations have been concluded in respect of what would be provided, a lease has not yet been signed.’ …..and further that „Formal Heads of Terms have now been agreed by both sides and the lease is being prepared.‟
- Why has it taken more than a year and half to reopen this excellent building and playground situated in the heart of the Roehampton community?
- (ii) Has the lease now been agreed and signed by the Council and the third party operator?
- (iii) When will this facility be re-opened for use by children and the community?
Answer:
In response to the questions from Councillor Ambache about the Ellisfield Drive site, let me start by being very clear; we are not re-opening the Alton Activity Centre, nor are we intending to duplicate a service that ceased in 2016, at the natural end of a contract for targeted support. However, we most certainly recognise the site and its building as a valuable community asset. That is why we are leasing both to Roehampton Rocks – a local community and arts charity which, as Councillor Ambache, states will provide a range of child and family activity including an after-school programme of activity, access to the playground during term-time, after school and during school Official holidays and the establishment of a community café and arts hub, that will host events such as play readings, rehearsals and community performances.
To answer the specific questions, first about the delays, these are outside the control of the Council and are related to the development of the Heads of Terms of the lease. Unfortunately, the tenant found it necessary to seek alternative legal representation and this has delayed matters. However, as previously stated, Heads of Terms are agreed and the drafting of the lease is in process. It is anticipated that the lease will be signed in the new year.
In the absence of a signed lease, the tenant has been given controlled occasional access to the site and has already held three community engagement days, the first in late June, followed by events in September and November. I am delighted to report that Roehampton Rocks are currently planning to provide a free Christmas Day Lunch between 12-4:00pm, followed by a supper between 5-9 pm for members of the local community. This will be staffed entirely by volunteers with all food donated. I do hope that Councillor Ambache will join me in thanking Roehampton Rocks for taking the initiative on this event which will be of enormous support, particularly for people who find themselves isolated during the Christmas period. I also hope Councillor Ambache, will support the event by encouraging others to donate to such a worthy cause.
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