Residents to vote on Rose Hill centre revamp (From Oxford Mail)

Residents to vote on Rose Hill centre revamp

12:00pm Wednesday 3rd October 2012 in Oxford By Emma Harrison, Reporter covering Rose Hill, Littlemore and Iffley. Contact me on 01865 425430

ROSE HILL residents will go to the polls next month to vote on a replacement £1m community centre plan.

The community will decide if it wants a new building or a refurbishment of the existing Rose Hill Community Centre in The Oval.

And the result of the November 17 ballot will help inform Oxford City Council’s final decision.

Architects’ plans of the proposed new building are being prepared and will be displayed at the vote, which residents can view before choosing their preferred option.

Ali Hall, who runs the Junior Youth Club at the community centre, said: “I think that it has been great to have a base for the youth club (at the existing community centre).

“But I think a purpose-built setting would mean we could do a lot more.

“If we had areas that could be designated for multi-use in terms of play I think it would really help and we would be able to open it out to more children.

Councillor Ed Turner, deputy leader of Oxford City Council and ward councillor for Rose Hill and Iffley, said: “The new community centre could be a fantastic addition to Rose Hill.

“It will bring together many facilities under one roof and might save money in running costs for things like heating.”

The cost of a new centre – which could be completed by early 2015 – will be supported by £435,000 of contributions from developers.

It would be owned by the city council and would include a social club, advice centre, sports pavilion and youth club.

If this option is selected, the existing centre would be demolished and new housing built in its place.

One suggested site for the building is next to The Co-operative Nursery in Ashhurst Way overlooking the recreation ground on the site of the existing Rose Hill and Donnington advice centre.

Mr Turner added: “On the other hand, we have the option of refurbishing the existing community centre, which has served local people very well for many years, offering a wide range of popular activities.

“We have asked the community to tell us what they think and the council will consider their views before we decide which option to select.”

If the option to refurbish the existing community centre was selected, services including the pavilion and advice centre would remain where they are.

The community vote takes place at the community centre in The Oval from 10am until 8pm and will inform the city council’s final decision.