VICTORIA PARK CAFÉ UPDATE

Due to spiralling construction costs, Newbury Town Council is reconsidering its options for the new Community Café in Victoria Park.

As a first preference, the Council is exploring additional external funding sources to see if the gap can be bridged without placing an additional burden on reserves or on the Precept.

Failing this, the Council is also considering the alternative option of upgrading and improving the existing buildings. This would include, as a minimum:  public toilets, sheltered seating and a better catering outlet.

Cllr Gary Norman, Leader of the Council, said, “Whilst we have prepared for some time to build a new café in the park, rising costs caused by excessive planning delays have led us to consider other options which might bring the same benefits.

Victoria Park is ‘The Jewel in the Crown’ for NTC, and the improvements that we have made in recent years have increased its popularity, and usage by our communities. We desire to provide even better facilities. If the planned new-build café is not affordable, then we will work with the resources at our disposal to provide these facilities in another way. At all times we will consider what is best value and benefit to the communities we serve.”

Cllr Roger Hunneman, Chairman of the Council’s Victoria Park Subcommittee agreed and said, “We have all put a lot of time and effort into working towards a new Community café in Victoria Park. It has gone on long enough at this stage.

At the end of the day, we want to do what is best for the users of the Park. The kiosk in the Park at the moment needs urgent repairs and attention and if we cannot afford a new café, we will upgrade the existing building to provide the best service we can for the users of the Park. The building is intended to have solar PV and other green features consistent with affordability. Sooner, rather than later!”

Contact:

Cllr Gary Norman, Leader of the Council gary.norman@newbury.gov.uk

Hugh Peacocke, CEO Newbury Town Council hugh.peacocke@newbury.gov.uk 01635 35486