A new community centre in Arborfield could be completed by 2026 – as long as it gets planning permission.
The centre was to be built by developer Crest Nicholson, as part of an agreement to build the Arborfield Green development, but councillor Rebecca Margetts said previous dates for the new community centre seemed to “just slip and slip.”
She asked council leaders when the full community centre will open.
She said: “The previous administration had been in discussion with local groups about the running of the community centre in the new Arborfield Green village centre.
“I have not heard any progress with these discussions or if the groups previously interested are still involved?”
In response, Wokingham Borough Council leader Stephen Conway said councillors on Wokingham Borough’s planning committee would look at proposals this month.
He said: “A reserved matters application, which includes the community centre, will be presented to the planning committee on October 11. If approved, a task and finish group will be formed.
“The group will include Crest as well as key stakeholders from the community, such as town and parish councillors and community groups.”
He added: “The new community building if progressed as outlined in the planning application should be completed in 2026.”
Councillor Margetts asked how the council would ensure that Crest would ensure that the developer sticks to its plans and “ensure that Crest does deliver on this essential building for the community.”
Councillor Conway said there had been “very good engagement” between council planning officers and Crest.
He said: “I know many people are very keen to see this. We are very aware of that, and we are doing all we can to make sure it happens.”
