Rose Hill will get its new £3m community centre

Oxford City Council’s executive board backed the new facility, which will have a larger hall, a training kitchen and sports changing facilities, will replace the existing centre in The Oval.

Last month residents of the estate supported the plan for a new centre in a community poll which saw 459 of the 585 voters opting to rebuild and 126 backing the second option, which was a revamp of the existing centre.

Councillor Steven Curran said: “I am looking forward to seeing the building of a new community centre in Oxford.

“Rose Hill will be a beautiful example of bringing services into one place.”

After the meeting, deputy leader and Rose Hill councillor Ed Turner said: “It is a really exciting project which could benefit a lot of groups – football, the social club and, of course, the advice centre will be getting a permanent home. I think it is really good news for the estate.”

Sean Qualter, chairman of Rose Hill Football Club, is delighted. He said: “I feel it is what’s needed to put in place the foundation so we can have children’s, youth, girls’ and continue with the men’s football in an environment the estate deserves.”

The 42-year-old, who grew up in Rose Hill, said that although his team won its league last season, the existing dilapidated facilities prevented them from progressing.

Ray James, 65, chairman of the Rose Hill Tenants’ and Residents’ Association, said: “As a supporter of the new community centre I am, of course, pleased with the council's decision.

“Both they and our local councillors are to be commended for the support they are giving.

“After many years of under-investment in leisure facilities we are extremely fortunate, especially in challenging financial times, to be the recipients of substantial funding which will enable, for the first time, all the major activities on the estate to be housed under one roof.”

He added: “In addition, the demolition of the existing community and advice centres will release land for much-needed local housing, something that I’m sure will bring hope to those people looking for a home of their own in Oxford; an aspiration that deserves the support of us all.”

Terry Kirkby, 71, from Rose Hill, said: “I think from the outset it is one of the pieces in the jigsaw of Rose Hill.

“Future generations are going to be more than pleased that we are getting a new community centre with all the facilities that are going to other agencies – such as the youth club and advice centre.”

The new centre would overlook the recreation ground on the site of the Rose Hill and Donnington advice centre in Ashhurst Way.

It would bring the social club, advice centre, sports pavilion and youth club together and could open in early 2015.

Funding for the project will come from developer contributions and the existing community centre could be used to provide housing.