Progress Report: Edgmond Church Site

Having commenced preliminary negotiations with Edgmond Trustees it was necessary for us to undertake a site survey to establish as to whether our plans for the Supported Living Centre would fit on the site. We were reluctant to spend our hard sought finances on a whim, but it was considered essential for our architect and JPK to learn these facts before we could proceed. We were indeed fortunate to receive an offer from an anonymous donor who was willing to pay for the survey, whatever the outcome. It was good news and then Derek Kemp was able to draw up very draft plans.

Planning Department.

We made an appointment to visit the Senior Planning Officer of Eastbourne Borough Council to discuss our proposals and these were received very favourably with ‘no objections in principle to the Change of Use’. A few minor suggestions were made with regard to the design and additional parking spaces to be allowed for, but these were considered by Derek Kemp as being obtainable. Since then Derek and I have made a presentation on the JPK to the Trustees and Members of Edgmond and following their consultation, a unanimous decision was made for JPK to purchase their site.

Planning Consent.

Following a meeting of the JPK Finance and Business Sub Committee, we shall be authorising CPL Architects to commence a Planning Application, which will also activate a Quantity Surveyor who will be able to estimate the cost of the building works and the refurbishment. The latter is essential, as we are unable to major fundraise until the full costs are known.

Within the car park space it is our intention to build 16 ensuite Studio Apartments which will also allow for outside areas and parking spaces.

A further 8 flats are planned at the rear of the property, leading off Brightland Road, for people who can be more independent. However, they will be able to access the staff when required and the communal rooms.

The Church building and it’s ancillary rooms are hoped to remain and will become the Community Centre, with a Tea Room, Bakery and Kitchen and a Daisy Chain ‘up market’ charity shop. This will allow for the training and work experience part of the project and will be fully open to the public. The Offices for the Centre will be located here. The tenants will be able to access the communal rooms through inter-communicating corridors.

We believe this site will be ideal, as it is situated within the community, on a bus route, near Eastbourne Town Centre and Station and other close by amenities.

The plan:

Accomodation
- 16 En-suite Studio Apartments to allow for privacy and independence.
- 8 flatlets for more independent living
- Communal rooms – to allow for the building of friendships and comradeship
- Training in Independent living skills
- Fully staffed

Community Centre
The existing Church Building will be renovated to provide:
- Tea Rooms
- Bakery/Commercial Kitchen
- Daisy Chain Charity Shop

This area will allow for training and work experience in:
- Hospitality
- Catering
- Customer Relations
- Continued Learning
- Training towards employment
- Community Interaction