Local residents asked to ‘have your say, get involved’
(Date of issue: Friday, 5 June 2009)
Householders and businesses within the Caldewgate area of
Carlisle are being asked to ‘have their say’ on the possible uses
for a new community resource centre.
Letters will be delivered this week to residents who live close
by to the new development, to be built on land currently used as
Shaddongate car park next to John Street Hostel. They will be
invited to attend a consultation event next Tuesday (9 June),
between 3pm and 7pm at the Caldew Room (part of the Old Brewery
building on Bridge Street).
Architectural drawings of the new building will be on display
and those attending the consultation will be asked to fill in
questionnaires asking them what they think of the plans?; how the
plans could be improved?; and suggestions will also be sought for a
possible name for the site – currently called the ‘Centre of
Excellence’. All completed forms will be put into a free draw. The
winner will be chosen randomly from those submitted and will get a
£50 Debenhams voucher.
A multi-agency working group including Carlisle City Council,
Cumbria Constabulary, health, housing and advisory services have
drawn together some suggested uses for the new Caldewgate community
resource and training centre. These would be available for the
community’s use as well as residents who require homelessness
support:
- Access to health advisory services for local residents;
- Improving and creating links to local groups and services;
- Access to learning and development;
- Support, mentoring and coaching services;
- A furniture and clothing resource centre;
- A community hall and commercial kitchen; and
- A bike project.
The potential for the development of a community cafe has also
been put forward as part of the plans.
Funded by the Government’s Places for Change scheme, the
£1.9million Carlisle City Council scheme will follow an innovative
‘green’ design and will include energy efficient construction
methods. Apprenticeships in Construction Skills will be also
available during the building of the centre.
Carlisle City Cllr Olwyn Luckley, Portfolio holder for Health
and Community Development, said:
“The proposed new facilities are innovative and
forward looking, both in their design and the vision of what they
can provide. The aim is to address the short and long term needs of
homeless people as well as providing a much needed community
resource.
"We want local residents to have their say on
what services and schemes they would like as part of the scheme, as
the new centre aims to provide support and facilities to the wider
community, as well as those you are homelessness."
Jane Muller, associate director of public health at NHS Cumbria,
said:
"This is a real opportunity to develop services
around this new facility which make a difference to people's
lives.
"NHS Cumbria will be working with the City
Council, partners, service users and the community to develop a
range of support and advice services which empower people to take
more control over their health."
Chief Superintendent Steve Johnson, North Cumbria's most senior
police officer, added:
"Officers from North Cumbria have been working
with colleagues in the City Council and this new proposal offers
much needed support for the homeless and vulnerable people in and
around the city. We look forward to continued work with our
partners on this initiative."
Anyone unable to attend next week's event, but who would like to
comment on the proposals, should contact Carlisle City Council on
01228 817217 or email tammiew@carlisle.gov.uk
The plans will also be put on display from Monday, 8 June in the
Civic Centre, at Johnston & Wright Architects (15 Castle
Street) and John Street Hostel (Shaddongate).
The deadline for responses is Friday, 26 June, with the prize
draw taking place on Monday, 29 June.
Comments will help drawn together the finalised plans which will
be submitted as a part of a planning application, due to be
submitted this autumn. If approved, building work could begin early
2010.