Parish Centre marks completion of phrase one
THE ALVERSTOKE PARISH CENTRE were celebrating last week as they officially opened their new car park to the public with the Mayor of Gosport, Councillor Kirsten Bradley, in attendance; this occasion on July 11 (Friday) helping to celebrate the competition of Phrase One of its regeneration project and acknowledge the contributions made by the community in support of the re-development.
The project first started in 2015 and planning permission was granted for Plan A in March 2020, whilst applications were made for Capital Grants after lockdown during 2022/2023. However this financial crisis was followed by the energy crisis and there was sadly no appetite from funders to support our plan to build a new community centre; particularly as their energies were focused on supporting those charities and communities suffering greatest hardship.
The Project was revised and planning permission was granted in January this year for our alternative Plan B which will meet the essential requirements set by Plan A. Work will be done by building in stages such as an annexe, extension to the hall and refurbish the current building.
The occasion last Friday was entitled ‘Celebrating Success’ and marks the completion of Phrase One, which consisted of a new car park (providing accessible parking) and a well-lit footpath. It also featured the installation of solar power and battery storage, whilst also ensured the removal of asbestos, replacements soffits, fascias and guttering.
It further celebrated the contribution of everybody involved in the project to date; such as individuals who have made generations donations and sponsors that have provided support for events around Alverstoke. Veolia were also thanked for their grant to finance work covering the solar panels, battery storage and roof repairs alongside new soffits, fascias and guttering.
A huge number of enthusiastic residents have also been crucial as they have supported the many fundraising events organised in the past 10 years; which have brought the community together and have contributed over £80,000 to the building fund.
And there are a team of volunteers involved who carry out the organisation / running of the events; covering poster designs, ticket creating, sourcing of raffle prizes, setting up the halls and making cakes / sausage rolls / sandwiches or tea for visitors. They are keen to help out in whatever way they can and many of them opened their gardens recently for the annual Garden Walkabout, which was a hugely successful weekend.
To date a total of over £560,000 has been raised from the sale of a church property, individual donations, pledges from individuals / GBC, fundraising events, a grant from Veolia (via the Landfill Communities Fund), sponsorship, interest on savings and gift aid. This will continue as the regeneration project moves forward to the next phase.
Readers can visit www.alverstokeparishcentre.org.uk for more information on this project and future updates; which will also be shared on their Facebook page.
PICTURED BY ALVERSTOKE PARISH CENTRE: Ribbon is cut to mark the official opening of new car park; thus ensuring the completion of phrase one in the regeneration project.
