An update has been provided about progress on community facilities in Arborfield Green.
During last month’s council meeting, Cllr Adrian Betteridge asked Cllr Stephen Conway, the executive member for housing, partnerships and the local plan, for an update on progress with community facilities in the Arborfield SDL
Cllr Conway said: “I am pleased to say the council has been working closely with Crest Nicholson to deliver the new infrastructure required to support this growing community.
“One of the first things we did when we took control of the council was to talk with developers about the slow delivery of community infrastructure in Arborfield, and this has resulted in good progress with lots of good things now happening.
“Sainsburys are forecasting opening this summer, ahead of expectations. Tennis courts are in the process of being refurbished and work will start this year on the sports pavilion and playing fields.
“Work is starting on the Sixth Form at Bohunt School, funded by the Trust with a significant uplift in the contribution from the Council.
“I know these facilities will be very welcome to the community. They will also help to relieve pressure on local roads, as people will no longer need to travel to neighbouring towns and villages to use such facilities.
“I think also welcome to the local community will be the improved Leopard 3 bus service, with buses twice as frequent during the day, and a new evening and weekend service.”
In his supplementary question, Cllr Betteridge asked: “The new community centre is one of the most important facilities, which residents are looking forward to.
“Can you confirm the commitment to this facility, and explain when there will be further information on the design and the programme for it?”
Cllr Conway said: “I can certainly confirm the council’s commitment to the delivery of this facility.
“We have been working with Crest Nicholson on the details of how to ensure the timely delivery, because we know that this is immensely important to the local community.
“We know that the local community has given time and energy to help further this project.
“One of the things we are working with Crest Nicholson on is how we manage and control costs, because obviously one of the challenges of this is increasing building costs.
“We anticipate being able to update the community on this next month.”
