- The Executive Committee of Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) was briefed on the proposal for a Houghton Regis Community Building at Bidwell West during their meeting on Tuesday, 7th June 2022.
The construction of the building will be driven by the local community and cater to their needs. The facility will be overseen by a faith group that embraces individuals from various faiths and non-religious backgrounds. It will be a versatile community building equipped with modern technology, offering supported housing and health services.
Although the developers are not obligated to construct the facility, they are required to contribute £1 million in S106 funding. This funding will be provided to the Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) specifically for the construction of this community facility. Consequently, CBC is committed to ensuring that the S106 resources are effectively utilized for the development of a community hall on the designated land.
The Houghton Regis Community Development Charity (HRCDC), registered under Charity no. 1186865, has outlined a six-stage plan for the project:
- Engage with interested users and partners through their Pioneer Community Worker to establish a vision and framework for the community building.
- Actively involve new residents to understand their aspirations for the community building and explore potential benefits for the wider Houghton Regis community. Begin financial preparations by securing funds from national and regional grant-making trusts, partners, and investors.
- Collaborate with the community, Houghton Regis Town Council, and other organizations to shape the design and construction of the community building based on identified aspirations. Negotiate with developers, planners, architects, and partners to secure funding for both the initial build and long-term sustainability.
- Identify a suitable site, develop an outline design, and secure funding. Establish ownership and management models in consultation with stakeholders and funders.
- Proceed with the planning application process and conduct further consultation prior to commencing construction.
- The community building opens, potentially in phases.
Overall, the project will require an estimated £5.5 to £6 million investment, including S106 funding from the Developer/CBC (£1 million + indexation), capital funding for flats from a Housing Association (£3 million), charitable loans from denominational institutions (£1.1 million), and grants from multiple sources for capital, revenue, and initial core costs (£0.5 million).
Yesterday, the councillors at Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) gave their initial approval for the development of an inclusive community center at Bidwell West in Houghton Regis. They also agreed to allocate 0.5 hectares of serviced land and £1 million (index-linked) of S106 funds to the Houghton Regis Community Development Charity. This allocation is specifically for the construction of a community building on the Bidwell West site (HRN2).
However, the release of the land and S106 funds is subject to certain conditions. The Houghton Regis Community Development Charity must submit a costed Business and Funding Plan by 5 pm on April 30, 2024. This plan should demonstrate full funding for the proposed community building. The approval of the land and funds will depend on the submission and approval of this plan.
Furthermore, the councillors have delegated authority to the Directors of Transformation, Resources and Place, and Communities, in consultation with the Executive Members for Health and Wellbeing, Leisure and Communities, and Corporate Resources. These individuals will have the power to make decisions regarding the consideration and approval of the Houghton Regis Community Development Charity's costed Business and Funding Plan.
*The Board of HRCDC charity consists of:
Stephen Copson Regional Minister of the Central Baptist Association
David Skinner Houghton Regis Baptist Church
Tricia Humber Diocese of St Albans
Debbie Hodgson Bedfordshire, Essex and Hertfordshire Methodist District
Patrick Kandeh Superintendent Minister of South Bedfordshire Methodist Circuit
