As many of you will already be aware, the outcome of the open tender process for the procurement of the new centre resulted in three bids all of which were significantly higher than the original indication. Inevitably, the joint project board of members of the Mayfield and Five Ashes Parish Council and Wealden District Councils (WDC) had no option but to terminate that particular tender process in early May. We are still waiting upon the formal report by WDC into reasons why the bids were so high.

The Parish Council is therefore recommending a different approach using a ‘design and build contract’, which is based on a revised cost reduced design that will be within our budget of £4.5m. We are actively working on this approach with a view to identifying a suitable contractor(s), costs and new timelines. We will report further upon this as soon as possible.

Given the delays to the project, the Parish Council is looking into re-opening the existing Memorial Hall to make it available for lettings on a short term basis until such time as the build contract commences in earnest. Please note that it is not yet available for bookings but we will update the parish via the village Facebook and Parish website accordingly. 

We can now confirm that the Deed of Dedication has been signed by Fields in Trust formally establishing that the c.12 acre greenfield part of Court Meadow is formally protected in perpetuity for recreational purposes. The Deed excludes the remaining 2 acres and proposed site of the new Community and Health Centre.

Further information about the project and the re-opening of the hall will be made available on the village Facebook site and the Mayfield and Five Ashes Parish Council website www.mayfieldfiveashes.org.uk,