Sycamore Buildings Project – Latest news
On 12 November 2024 the town council will be deciding whether to apply for permission to borrow up to £750,000 to part fund the Sycamore Buildings project. Since the town council acquired the Sycamore buildings we have worked with experts to cost and plan alterations and refurbishments. Our plan is that these well-loved buildings can be combined to create attractive new community facilities for future generations of Bletchley and Fenny residents. The decision to apply for borrowing approval is another important milestone on the journey. Everyone is welcome to come along to the meeting where the decision will be made.
What's happened so far?
Sycamore Farm House is a charming Grade II listed gem from the 18th Century, that sits right in the heart of Bletchley and Fenny Stratford. This distinctive building was purchased by the town council in 2021 and has now become our main office premises safeguarding an important part of our local heritage. While the farmhouse is holding up well for its age, the limited disabled access and strict listed building rules make it difficult to make the building wheelchair friendly.
At the same time, the town council also acquired Sycamore Hall, next door to Sycamore Farm House, through a community handover from Milton Keynes City Council. At the time of the asset transfer Sycamore Hall was in minimal use by the public and needed substantial renovation. It is a building of its time with virtually no insulation in the walls or roof, a defunct heating system and a single glazed glass wall which is draughty and insecure. It has no disabled toilets or baby changing facilities and all the electrics need to be stripped out and replaced. The flat roof also needs to be replaced.
Why do we need more community space?
In recent years Bletchley and Fenny Stratford has lost community meeting spaces at Bletchley Library and the Warren. In the near future the Spotlight building at Serpentine Court will also be demolished as part of the Lakes regeneration. We know that many groups and organisations cannot find suitable space for their activities especially if they do not want to use a church or school.
Meanwhile the number of households in our area has increased over the past 10 years, with the population for our town now standing at 21,500 (2021 census data) and our current community buildings are already well used on a daily basis.
What's the plan for the buildings?
Following initial consultation in 2022 with the community, planning permission for the proposed alterations to the building was sought and granted by Milton Keynes City Council in October 2023 (Application no: 23/01793/FUL).
Bletchley and Fenny Stratford Town Council’s vision is that the two Sycamore buildings will be physically joined together to become a hub at the centre of the community for decades to come. The combined buildings will accommodate a wide range of locally based social, recreational, cultural, youth and educational activities and be used not only by the council and the community but also by other providers of local services.
Joining the buildings will allow for the creation of a new entrance and reception area with disabled access throughout the Hall and to the ground floor of Sycamore House. Sycamore Hall will be fully updated with modern heating, lighting, disabled toilets, technology and insulation. The barn will be converted in to a council chamber/conference room with hybrid meeting facilities. Additional small meeting rooms and storage will be provided within the building.
What are the likely costs involved?
The estimated cost of the Sycamore Buildings Project is £1,744,702. The project will be funded from the town council earmarked reserves and a combination of grants, fundraising and borrowing from the Public Works Loan Board.
The council must decide whether to borrow up to £750,000 over a 40 year period to undertake the project. At this stage the town council is applying for funding from grant making bodies (eg Central government, Milton Keynes City Council) and depending on the outcome may not need to borrow the whole of the £750,000. It is not planned to increase the precept (the council’s share of council tax) to meet the loan repayments.
You can see the report to council here.
What do residents think?
In early 2024 following feasibility studies and surveys the town council undertook a community consultation to check whether residents agreed with our plans. We also asked for public views about whether we should borrow to fund this development. As you can see from the report attached below, the majority who responded were in favour of the project and the borrowing.
We will continue to engage with the community as we progress the project. If you have any questions or comments to make then please contact the town council at info@bletchleyfennystratford-tc.gov.uk.