Opportunities for the redevelopment of a Basingstoke community centre, closed following the identification of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) panels within the building in September 2023, are set to be explored alongside plans for a new long-term community hub for the area. 

Westside Community Centre, in Paddock Road, has been closed since September 2023 in line with government guidance after RAAC panels were found in South Ham Community Library, owned by Hampshire County Council, and the attached community centre, owned by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. 

Following the closure, the borough council and Sovereign Network Group (SNG) have been supporting Westside Community Association to find alternative locations to keep vital services and activities running in South Ham. 

This includes a new shop in Kings Road for a community café and pantry and services being delivered at Russell Howard Park pavilion and the Ridgeway Centre in Buckskin. Now a new community hub is also set to be created at the former Beacon Pub in Kings Road later this year, following refurbishment work. 

Both councils have carried out further investigation work to identify cost effective options for Westside Community Centre’s future. In addition to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete panels, the need to manage asbestos safely further complicates and increases the costs of bringing the building back into use or its demolition. Options that have been explored include carrying out repair work and rebuilding a new facility on the same site, with both options set to cost millions of pounds. 

Due to its age, limited opportunities for the internal layout of the building and the extensive work required to bring it back into use, as well as the risk of antisocial behaviour, councillors on the borough council’s decision-making Cabinet will consider proposals to formally close the building at a meeting on Tuesday (18 March). 

Subject to final agreements, this would see the borough council acquire South Ham Community Library from Hampshire County Council and transfer the site to SNG to support the housing provider’s plan to invest in shaping the future of South Ham and Buckskin. As part of these plans, the council would work with SNG and the community to look at future options for improved facilities and community spaces. 

Co-Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property Cllr Gavin James said: “Westside Community Association plays a vital role in supporting residents living in South Ham and the team has done a phenomenal job of continuing to run activities and services. Our focus has been doing everything we can to support the community association to continue their fantastic work and the creation of a new community hub at The Beacon will allow them to restart more services and activities soon. 

“Following further investigations, the amount of repair work required and the age and limitations of the building mean that it would not be cost effective to reopen the community centre and library. 

“To make sure this land provides the most benefit for the local community, we will consider proposals to transfer the site to SNG to support their plans for investment in South Ham and Buckskin, including the delivery of much-needed new affordable homes. We will continue to press SNG to include a new purpose-built facility for the community as part of work to draw up plans for the first phase of their potential regeneration proposals.”