About the Organisation
www.epsomwellscommunityassociation.org
The Wells Community Centre is located in the very centre of the circular Wells Estate in Epsom. There has been a community site on this space since the 1940s, but in 2015 Epsom Council took the decision to close the centre.
The Epsom Wells Community Association then formed to lobby against the closure asking for permission for the community to lease and run the centre themselves. After some protracted negotiations, the Council have now agreed to this request and offered a 125-year lease.
Further to consultation with the local community, planned uses for the reopened centre include:
- Coffee shop – run by volunteers, trainees and paid staff
- Elderly lunch club plus act as a multi-generational space
- Much requested co-working space and focal point in the community
- Wellbeing services – fitness classes, Forest school etc
- Space hire for local groups, services
- Location of the local ‘Men Shed’, school groups, University of 3rd Age, a nursery/ crèche facility and craft facilities
- Provide a playground on site and a local ‘History Wall’ with it being so close to Epsom well.
The project has the backing of local councillors within Surrey County. And, as the neighbouring borough does not have a community centre, it is also likely they will begin using the Epsom Wells Centre once open, making it even more important as a local hub.
Request details
EWCA have successfully applied for planning permission for a change of use and are in the latter stages of completing the legal aspects of taking over the building.
Some refurbishment is required to bring the premises back into use. Fundraising for this has commenced and is ongoing, both within the local population and through application to various grants.
The association are now at the point where they require professional advice to assist with their plans. In particular, with regard to the layout of the planned café space and any maintenance issues that have arisen during the five years that the building has been unoccupied.
Key support will include:
- Design ideas
- Cost of work to inform funding applications
EWCA would therefore be very grateful for any offers of pro bono support from an architect or designer who can provide them with ideas for the refurbishment work they need to undertake and associated fit out costs.
Timeline
Urgent.