Braintree District Council set to transfer new community centre to Witham Town Council

Braintree District Council has agreed to transfer a new multi-use community centre in the pipeline for Witham to Witham Town Council.

The two-storey centre, set to be built on land off Haygreen Road, will include a mixed-use hall, kitchen, bar area and changing rooms to serve sports players using the adjacent football pitch.

Councillors at Braintree District Council agreed the £4 million budget needed for the build of the facility at an official meeting two years ago and the Council has been finalising the design and planning for the building since then. Braintree District Council agreed at the last Cabinet meeting (Monday, 9 September) that the asset could be transferred to an owner occupier, with discussions to agree the transfer of the community centre to Witham Town Council once it is built having recently been agreed. In return, the Town Council will manage as well as own the centre.

Cllr Kevin Bowers, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance at Braintree District Council, said: “We’re very pleased that discussions with Witham Town Council have come to a positive conclusion. With significant financial investment from Braintree District Council and our joined up approach with Witham Town Council, we are supporting residents and keeping communities healthy and active as well as connected. This centre, with all its facilities, is going to be a great asset for the people of Witham.”

Cllr Phil Barlow, Leader of Witham Town Council, said: “Witham Town Council is very pleased to have reached agreement to own and operate this new centre on behalf of our residents. The centre has resulted from the building of the Maltings Lane development over some 20 years. Those who bought houses contributed to the financing via the S106 funds required as part of the planning application. We're also, of course, very grateful to Braintree District Council for additional investment to complete the development. It seems appropriate therefore that the Town Council will take over operation and we will involve our residents in the development plans. It is a great example of the two authorities working together to build a substantial new community centre and sports facilities.”

The communities in and around Witham will be able to use the hall to play sports, attend meetings or events and go to social clubs.