We are pleased to announce that the design for the new Mayfield Community and Health Centre has met the approval of the joint Wealden District Council and Parish Council Project Sponsor Board and thus, at the time of the Mayfield and Five Ashes newsletter going to press, a Village Information ‘drop-in’ Event is planned for the morning of the 27^th November 2021 in the Memorial Hall. The purpose being to share this design with the Parish. 

The project to develop a new purpose-built Community Centre combined with an integral Health Centre, has been undertaken in joint partnership between Wealden District Council and Mayfield and Five Ashes Parish Council. Achieving the design has not been without its challenges in terms of site constraints and budget, leading to unavoidable delays while the best possible design concept was developed. In fact, the architect practice, Roberts Limbrick Architects, has produced 14 design concepts in an attempt to meet the ‘Design Brief’, but only one has proved to be a viable, affordable option. 

However, we are pleased to say that it meets the ‘Design Brief’ admirably and provides our community with a multi-purpose and flexible community hall combined with an integral, modern health centre neatly positioned underneath the building at the rear North East of the site, with its own entrance and ambulance bay. 

At the Parish Information Event, the evolution of the design is to be illustrated on display panels with the architects and Parish Councillors on hand to answer questions.  There will be a ‘fly-through’ video, which visualises the completed building both eternally and internally. Plus, for those who wish to express their views on the building’s three options for external materials, there are forms and a comment box. 

The proposed Community and Health Centre building will occupy the existing developed two acre site whilst preserving the existing tree line, open space and band hut. There is two-way vehicle access to improve congestion and 84 car parking spaces, 50% more than the existing car park. There will also be three electric vehicle charging points on the site.

The building is to be constructed to a BREEAM Excellent Standard to meet sustainability guidelines. The main hall, which is 23m x 10m, features a de-mountable stage to maximise the potential use of space and partioning to allow for smaller or simultaneous double bookings. The 350 square metre Health Centre provides the doctors with a surgery three times the size of the existing space in Mayfield.  MAYFACS receive a dedicated office, there are two further meeting rooms, modern kitchen and large Community Hub area with a self-service beverage facility.  We intend this area to be a ‘free’ space where anyone can informally meet or socialise. In addition, the terrace overlooks Court Meadow with magnificent views. The anticipated completion date is 2023.

For further information visit the village website and Facebook. Relevant information will also be published on the MCC section of the Parish Council website www.mayfieldfiveashes.org.uk