By james art Residents of the former mining town in County Durham were asked their views on the future use of a community centre.
Bearpark Community Center was closed in 2021 for health and safety reasons due to concerns about the condition of the building and the potential cost of repairs.
Durham County Council has already proposed demolishing the building and creating open space or building a new center on the Olton Stile site. A replacement facility would need to continue to provide recreational activity, either by creating an open “space” or developing a replacement “venue”, the local authority said.
The site, owned by the coal mining charity CISWO, was originally created to provide a recreational and social space for the mining community. Groups that previously used the building have been relocated.
Bearpark Community Center was closed in 2021 for health and safety reasons due to concerns about the condition of the building and the potential cost of repairs. (Image: The Northern Echo)
Council officers pledged to work with residents and local stakeholders and said “every effort will be made to secure resources to cover the costs of the following options”.
A statement from the council read: “Unfortunately, the building had to close in 2021 for health and safety reasons and inspections showed that due to the original construction method, the cost of its refurbishment and meeting modern standards for public buildings, it would not was a good way to spend the public’s money.
“At that time we worked with the community groups using the building to help them find a new home so that their activities could continue to serve residents. These groups are now settled and happy in their new homes.
“We are working in partnership with CISWO to find a solution for the site. We think about how the place can be used for alternative recreational activities for the benefit of the community.
“The village is undergoing a transformation from a former mining settlement to a place that has attracted new developments, housing and families who may have different needs. We need to better understand your needs so that whatever replaces the community center is an exciting, well-used and maintained facility that contributes to local pride in the village.’
Option A: create a relaxation space
The existing building will be demolished and an open space will be created which can connect to the park at the rear to create a larger area to serve a range of community activities such as:
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community garden to grow food
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improved play area with accessible play facilities
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sensory garden
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a quiet, peaceful space for reflection
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gathering place for local events such as summer or Christmas holidays and celebrations
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market space
Option B: building a new community center
Work in partnership with CISWO to demolish the existing building and build a new, smaller centre.
It will be a flexible space for different uses, be energy efficient and meet current building standards.
This option will take more time.
Work with a dedicated community group to raise large amounts of community funding and who will have to take responsibility for running the building, maintaining it and attracting users to the building to cover running costs.
The council added: “We would like to know what type of facility, building, open space or play provision you would prefer that would best serve the community now and in the future.
“We want to know if you or a local community group you are involved with would like to work with us on this project and take responsibility for its development going forward.
“We will work with you to help you understand your role, seek training and support and help you identify funding opportunities.”
Click here to have your say on the plans. The deadline for comments is 5pm on Sunday 17 November.