Heatherside consultation Phase 1: Options and survey July 2009

Residents' views sought on new youth facility

The residents of Heatherside are being asked for their views about four different options for a new youth facility at Heatherside Recreation Ground. The consultation will be launched by the Safer Surrey Heath Partnership on 13 July at Heather Ridge Infant School.

On 6 July, all Heatherside ward residents will be sent a flyer outlining the different options, along with an invitation to the consultation launch which starts at 6pm. At 6.30pm, the Chairman of the Partnership, Surrey Heath Borough Council Chief Executive, Michael Willis, will give a presentation about the project. Displays depicting the options will be set up, and Partnership officers will be on hand to talk through the proposals.

Four options

Residents have four different options to consider.

In summary:

• Option 1 is for a multi-use, community-run building;
• Option 2 is for a 'Village Green' space based around an outdoor gym area;
• Option 3 is a Village Green 'pick'n'mix' with elements of Option 2 (including the outdoor gym) but also the choice of either a skate park (Option 3a) or a BMX track (Option 3b).
• Option 4 is to do nothing.

For details of each option, click on the relevant one. You can also download the Heatherside consultation PDF flyer Opens in a new window, which gives more information.

Drop-in events

After the launch event, the displays will be moved to Heatherside Community Centre where they will remain until 31 July. Drop-in events will also be held at the community centre with officers on hand to talk to residents. These will take place on:

• Saturday 18 July (10-12noon);
• Monday 20 July 4-8pm;
• Saturday 25 July 10am to 12noon; and
• Monday 27 July 4-8pm.

Survey and feedback

On 27 July, each household will be sent five surveys so that family members of all ages can indicate their preferred option. The closing date for returning the surveys in the pre-paid envelope provided will be 14 August. The results will be then analysed and presented to the community at a follow-up meeting at Heather Ridge Infant School on 21 October starting at 6pm.

Heatherside project background

The multi-agency Heatherside project was first launched in response to an identified need for better youth provision in the area. To fund the development of the project, the Surrey Heath Partnership (Safer) allocated £150,000 to Surrey Heath Borough Council. Local agencies have been working with the community to come up with a viable and sustainable new youth facility for Heatherside Recreation Ground. There are now four final options for public consultation - with the fourth being to do nothing.

Each option has distinct features and benefits, but all of them are designed to encourage the community to come together, to provide the young people of Heatherside with a safe place to meet up, and to help maintain low levels of crime and anti-social behaviour in the area in the long-term.

Please note that this consultation is for Heatherside ward residents only.