Completion of Tadley’s £885,000 youth centre further delayed

No opening date in sight for new facility

THE COMPLETION of Tadley’s £885,000 youth centre has been further delayed, due to issues with sub contractors, it was this week revealed.

The town’s long-awaited youth centre – The Point – began to take shape in August this year, ahead of a scheduled opening date in November, on part of the former Burnham Copse Infant School site, in Newchurch Road, behind Tadley and District Community Centre.

The anticipated opening was last month put back until January due to a shortage of skilled craftsmen, in particular carpenters, to finish the construction of the timber building, which is based on a tree house design chosen by the town’s youngsters.

Now its opening has been delayed again.

In a statement on Monday, the trustees of Tadley and District Community Association said they were “very disappointed” to announce the latest development.

Avril Burdett, vice chairperson of the trustees, said unfortunately the sub contractors were no longer working on the project.

Mrs Burdett said builders, Thatcham company, Francis Construction, were currently working on plans to “Finish this amazing building,” said Mrs Burdett.

“Although this is a matter of concern for all those involved in delivering this essential facility for Tadley’s young people, trustees are still in no doubt that this building will be finished to a high standard and within our budget.

“Please forgive us if, at this moment, we do not speculate on a completion date.”

Mrs Burdett and Francis Construction have declined to comment further on the issue. The sub contractors were not available for comment.

Eight years in the making, the centre will available to 11- to 19-year-olds, from 4pm to 9pm, Monday to Friday.

Facilities are set to include a café area and meeting hall, and will be equipped with pool tables, video games, free wi-fi and a juke-box.

The centre will also be available to the community during the daytime and at weekends, with additional meeting rooms, a first-floor performance hall and recording studio.

Funds for the building include: Public Works loan – £150,000; Turbury Allotment Charity – £300,000; Greenham Common Trust – £65,000; Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council – £182,300; and Tadley Town Council – £160,000.

For more details visit www.t-d-c-a.org.uk/