Developer Robert Hitchins Ltd has handed over a brand new £3.5 million community centre to the newly-formed parish council of Great Oldbury, in Stonehouse, near Stroud, Gloucestershire.
The company provided the top-class centre, with development partners Redrow South West, as part of the s106 planning obligations in respect of its major development project at Great Oldbury near Stonehouse which includes 1,350 homes, a local centre, a new school and an employment area, just off the A419 and J13 of the M5 near Stonehouse.
The Community Centre complex has a sports hall, meeting room, office, changing facilities, storage rooms, kitchen, parking and a fully-equipped children’s playground. The parish council also has a 25-year lease on the adjoining sports pitches.
“This is a fantastic facility and we’re very proud to have been involved from the beginning,” said Gordon Jeynes, Technical and Residential Development Director at Robert Hitchins. “We have a very good working relationship with the Parish and are pleased to be able to hand over this facility to them and assist where we can going forward.”
He thanked all the partners who helped bring the centre to fruition: architects Quattro Design, construction company Barnwood, and Project Managers Ward Williams.
For the newly formed Great Oldbury Parish Council, the new centre also provides them with their own home.
Chair Phill Ward couldn’t have been happier with the outcome. “It’s an excellent, modern community facility and we’re very grateful. A lot of other councils would give their right arm for something like this,” he said.
“It’s a privilege to finally be here and to open it with everyone’s support. We’re looking forward to bringing it into use – for parties, meetings, sports, community groups – when booking opens on January 1.”
Cutting the ribbon at the grand opening was special guest Lewis Ludlow, the captain of Gloucester Rugby, with a little help from the youngest visitor, three-year-old Freddie Yule who was there with his grandparents Steve and Lisa Whitlock who live on the burgeoning mixed-use development.
Joyce Clifford from architects Quattro Design was pleased with the final product. “It’s been great to be involved. We’ve loved being part of it,” she said.
Sian Smith, Sales Director at Redrow South West, said: “We’re thrilled to have supported the new community centre with a £1 million investment as part of our s106 contributions to the local area. Here at Redrow, we aim to create and support thriving communities at all of our developments and in the wider communities, and we hope this wonderful new community centre will do just that.”
Stuart Pearce, Joint Managing Director of Barnwood Ltd’s Construction Division, added: “As a local contractor, it was a real pleasure to be involved with a great team providing such a fantastic facility for the local community.”
Planning permission for the Great Oldbury mixed-use development was granted to Robert Hitchins in 2016 and, since then, most of the housing has been built or is under construction. Great Oldbury Primary Academy, also provided by Robert Hitchins, opened in 2021.
Irene Simms is one resident who loves the new development and has offered to volunteer at the community centre. She moved to Great Oldbury to be nearer her family two years ago. “I love it here. It’s quiet, friendly and very accessible. I couldn’t wish to be anywhere better,” she said.
