Council plan to cut popular community asset to build a car park – unless local campaign can save it
A vital community resource in Guildford is under threat. Guildford Borough Council plans to demolish the Lockwood Day Centre in Slyfield Green Industrial Estate to replace it with a temporary car park. However, a local campaign group has been formed. The Lockwood Regeneration Consortium (LRC) aims to not only save the facility but also to realise its wider potential as a community asset for the benefit of Guildford and beyond.
The LRC aims to take on the lease for the Lockwood Centre, maintaining the current council rental income and providing significant additional benefits to the community at no extra cost. The proposal is for the centre to continue as a valuable resource serving local people, including SEND & Disability Services, but in addition to that, becoming a much needed and affordable hub for innovative start-up business and the creative industries.
Their Vision document – Unlocking Community Potential – is available to view here: www.lockwoodarts.org.uk
The LRC have presented their proposal to both Guildford Borough Council and Surrey County Council and are now in negotiation with senior representatives of each. They are optimistic about the outcome.
Craig Hills, Chairman of the LRC, said:
“We have been overwhelmed with requests for spaces and opportunities to get involved in the regeneration of the Lockwood Centre from local people, businesses and community organisations. We believe that a ‘New Lockwood’ would help unlock the potential of the venue by hosting a range of vital services in the areas of new business enterprise, social care, education, well-being and the arts. We want to establish a sustainable venue that offers diverse community purpose and benefit – and the opportunity must be seized now. If there was the will for this to happen at Guildford Borough Council then this could happen easily. The idea that this valuable community resource could soon be reduced to a car park is tragic.”
To comment visit…
http://lockwoodarts.org.uk/2024/04/02/save-our-centre-council-to-replace-the-lockwood-centre-with-a-car-park/
