Shinfield showcases exciting plans for new parish hall

PLANS for a new parish hall in Shinfield were displayed to residents earlier this month.

The Parish Council has bought the former British Legion Club in School Green and is proposing to demolish the building to create a new two-storey complex which will be linked to the existing parish hall next door.

The two concepts being considered by the council were on show last Saturday; One has a large frontage that would overlook School Green, while the other is more open at the front. Both have car parking and aim to increase facilities for the community, which will grow considerably as part of the borough’s ongoing regeneration plan.

Councillor Peter Hughes, chairman of Shinfield Parish Council, told The Wokingham Paper: “The number of residents will go from 11,000 to 19,000. With new residents coming we need the facilities.

“These are very early plans – the details for the inside need to be worked out, [today] is a case of showing people how we will merge the two centres together and improve the frontage.

“The proposals are a really good starting point, we’ve worked hard to get it to this stage.”

Planning inspectors raise ‘concerns’ about delivery of 4,000 homes known as Loddon Valley Garden Village

Shinfield pub to close temporarily after firefighters tackle blaze for almost five hours

The project is a joint enterprise between the parish council and Wokingham Borough Council and is estimated to cost £2.4million, with the money coming from Section 106 funds paid by developers of the new houses.

“We’re aiming to get planning permission this year to build it next year, ready for 2018,” Mr Hughes added. “It’s subject to agreement by the Wokingham Borough Council executive.”

Cllr Andrew Grimes show plans to Shinfield residents.

Councillor Andrew Grimes has been helping create the project in conjunction with Basingstoke-based architects Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt.

He said: “The proposals came out of workshops and forums we’ve held. People want this, there’s a need for a multi-functional site. Now people can show support and select their preferred proposal.

“The scheme will respect the environment and we’ve looked at other village centres. Our desire is to get the best environment we can.”

Assuming Wokingham Borough Council’s executive agree to the plans next month, Mr Grimes is confident the new centre will take shape quickly.

“Once the funding cycle is agreed, it will be a relatively easy process.”