Momentum continues as Plan B for the Mayfield Community & Health Centre is rigorously pursued by the MCC team. The revised Plan B, which replaces the original design concept, adopts a design and build method with the contract placed under an established Framework Agreement. This enables a quicker and more cost-effective contractural process to be followed as the prospective bidders have already undertaken a competitive procurement assessment in order to be placed on the Framework for public sector tenders.

Plan B’s basic site plans and integral layouts have now been produced and the external elevation designs are currently being worked upon. Both these are required in order to refine the cost plan and to ensure that the Plan B design will meet the various planning requirements. 

We are eager to share this Plan B proposal with the community and, subject to a successful pre-application meeting, will share the plans for public comment when they become available in early 2024.

Costs continue to be a prime focus as the project’s success is dependent upon them. The design and build part of the project budget remains targeted at £4.5M with Wealden District Council funding the health centre element. However, the final figures, including any extras, will not be known until the design has been finalised and fully tendered. As with Plan A, the majority of the community centre funding will come from two elements: a £2.35M Public Works Board Loan and Parish Council reserves. Plus, an application has been made for a £250k capital grant from the government’s Community Ownership Fund, the outcome of which is anticipated in early 2024.

In addition, the MCC fundraising committee is investigating potential grants and donations to raise funds for the community centre’s fixtures and fitting.

Updates will continue to be published via the Mayfield and Five Ashes newsletter, Mayfield Facebook and at www.mayfieldfiveashes.org.uk.

15 November 2023