Options for the future of the Bearpark Community Centre site

Background

The site on Auton Stile includes a community centre and car park which we lease from CISWO, the Coal Mining Charity, who own the building and site, which was originally established to provide recreational and social space for the mining community

Unfortunately, the building had to be closed in 2021 on health and safety grounds, and inspections showed that due to the original construction method, the cost of its repair and of meeting current day standards for public buildings, it would not be a good way to spend the public's money. At that time, we worked with the community groups using the building to help them find a new home so their activities could continue to serve residents. Those groups are now settled and happy in their new homes.

We are working in partnership with CISWO to find a solution for the site. We are thinking about how the site could be used for alternative recreational activities for the benefit of the community. The village has been going through a transformation from a former mining village to a place which has attracted new developments, housing and families, which may have different needs. We need to better understand your needs, so that whatever replaces the community centre, becomes an exciting, well used and cared for facility which adds to the local pride in the village.

Community assets in the village

We know that the village has many community assets including its facilities and people who actively support their communities:

• a dedicated Parish Council
• primary school
• an Anglican church with improved community space and toilets 
• a Methodist church with activity room
• a skate park
• a resident's group
• a pit wheel outside the Community Centre
• a GP Surgery
• a day nursery
• shops and other local services
• DERIC Youth and Community Project have a communal room at Beaurepaire
• new homes for families close to the primary school
• access to a nearby sports centre, and new community centre at Merryoakes, Nevilles Cross
• a park area behind the community centre  
• a cricket ground and multisport area
• a banner group

Therefore, we are proposing some options which would not replicate those already in place, which could be run and supported by the local community for the benefit of the village.

Potential options for the future

The original facility was established to provide recreational and social space for the mining community. Anything replacing this would need to continue to provide recreational activity, either by creating an outdoor 'space' or developing a replacement 'place'.

Currently, we are the leaseholders, and this arrangement will continue in the immediate term. We will work with local people to determine any future management arrangements but maintain the current overall responsibility at this time. Every effort will be made to secure resources towards the cost of the following options.

Map showing location of Bearpark Community Centre (PDF) [1MB]

Option A: create a recreational space

The existing building would be demolished, and open space would be created that could link to the park at the rear to create a larger area to cater for a range of community activities, such as:

• a community garden for growing food
• enhanced play area with accessible play equipment
• a sensory garden
• a quiet, calm space for reflection
• a gathering space for local events such as Summer or Christmas fayres and commemorations
• a market space

Option B: build a new community centre

We could work in partnership with CISWO to demolish the existing building and build a new, smaller centre. This would be a flexible space for different uses, and it would be energy efficient and meet current building standards. More time would be needed for this option. We would work with a dedicated group in the community to attract large amounts of community funding, and who would need to take responsibility for running the building, its maintenance and attracting building users to cover the running costs. 

How to take part

We would like to know what type of facility, building, open space or play provision, you would prefer that would best serve the community now and in the future. We want to know if you or a local community group you are involved with would be willing to work with us on this project and take responsibility for developing it for the future. We would work with you to help you to understand your role, seek training and support and help to identify funding opportunities.

As well as meeting with local community groups to get their views, we would like to hear from local residents.

What happens next

We will use your feedback to explore what interest there in in the community for a new recreational facility and use the information in our discussions with CISWO and present the findings to our internal decision makers. We will be able to provide an update to you in Spring 2025.