Branksome Contact: 01202 920 947

Bourne Contact: 01202 113 988

The Bourne Community Hub Story

 

 

Our Story

 

Back in 2015, the Bourne Community Group asked Poole Communities Trust to help develop a Community Hub. Together, we held detailed discussions with the Council about building the project on the old youth club site at the corner of Northmere Drive and Arne Avenue. Following these discussions, we appointed a local architect to create proposals that met the needs of the community identified through consultation.

Over the next five years, we worked closely with residents and our architect, Footprint, to develop a design that truly reflected the community’s needs. At the same time, we began our fundraising campaign. Our first major milestone came in October 2018, when planning permission was granted following a public exhibition of the designs.

Fundraising gathered pace quickly. We were delighted to receive early support from Bourne Big Local and Talbot Village Trust. Meanwhile, we completed the detailed legal work with the Council to secure a 99-year lease for the Trust. To maximise the Hub’s space, we needed to relocate the old play park to the Green opposite the site. Thanks to feedback from local children and young people, we successfully applied to the Veolia Environment Trust. The new play park opened in July 2020.

When the pandemic hit, we feared fundraising might be delayed. We understood that many grant organisations would prioritise Covid-19 support. Despite these challenges, the project continued to progress thanks to the resilience of the local community.

 

 

 

Whilst many grant-making organisations prioritised Covid-19 support, we were very grateful that others recognised our project as bringing long-term benefits to Bourne. By the end of 2020, we had raised sufficient funding to construct the new Hub and proceeded to tender the contract.

Early in 2021, it became clear that our original design would be too costly. Therefore, following further detailed work with Bourne Big Local, our team of architects, engineers, quantity surveyor, and preferred contractor, we developed a revised design.

Our next major milestone was arranging for Little People Pre-school and BCP Youth Services to be accommodated in a temporary building while the old youth centre was demolished and the new Hub constructed. On Monday 24 May 2021, Little People Pre-school re-opened in the temporary building opposite. Children and staff were delighted with their new home for the year and eagerly anticipated the start of work on the main site.

After all the preparations, our wonderful new Community Hub opened on 6 September 2022.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our funders and volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this dream a reality.

The Impact

 

Since its opening in September 2022, the Bourne Community Hub has become a cornerstone of support and connection in the BH12 4 postcode area. Through initiatives such as the Community Food Store, residents can access affordable groceries, helping to ease the pressures of the cost-of-living crisis.

The Hub also provides a wide range of youth opportunities, including football coaching, street dance, and youth clubs, fostering personal development and encouraging community engagement among young people. Additionally, the community café offers a welcoming space for social interaction, while services such as Citizens Advice and health visitor sessions provide essential support to families and individuals.

Overall, the Bourne Community Hub stands as a testament to community resilience and collaboration, continually evolving to meet the needs of local residents!

 

 

Find out whats on at the Hub

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