We’re absolutely thrilled to share the news that the Highfield Adventure Playground community building has been granted planning permission. After receiving plenty of positive feedback from the planners who were really supportive of the scheme, we were finally given the green light this month.
We are really excited on behalf of the whole community to be on this journey with Hem Architects and other partners. The building is a key part of our community and will become a beacon of aspiration for young people, children and families. The quality of the design and build are as important as ensuring the buildings environmental credentials, so Hem were the only choice to deliver both of these principles in a sympathetic, cost-effective, and inspired way.
Rachel Cosens, Sharrow Community Forum
The existing building is part of the adventure playground in Mount Pleasant Park and has no insulation or heating. We’re replacing the existing building with a modern, purpose-built , 3 storey facility that will provide a warm and welcoming space for community activities, a cafe and publicly accessible toilets. The new building will also provide some rentable space, which will enable it to be self-sustainable for the years that lie ahead.
A truly collaborative process
Right from the beginning, the process has been highly collaborative. We’ve worked closely with Sharrow Community Forum, and we’ve also organized consultation sessions with the local community and the youth groups who currently use the building. Their valuable feedback has helped us shape the design and understand their preferences. It’s been a wonderful team effort!
What happens next?
With funding now secured for the project, we’re already cracking on with the next stage. The technical design is due to be completed this year to allow work to start on site early in 2024. Though the project has a demanding programme, we’re excited and ready to embrace the challenge.
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