NEWS
CROWN HALL Community Hall
Planning permission has recently been agreed , but The Duchy wish to consult with residents about what facilities are needed before building starts
Recognising that recreation is such an important part of life for the residents , families and businesses in Poundbury , The Duchy have decided to run several consultation exercises in the summer . These will establish exactly what community facilities are needed for generations to come . Duchy Estate Director Ben Murphy said he plans to consult widely before any work starts on the Crown Hall and on all the facilities planned for the Great Field . It follows Planning Permission being agreed by West Dorset District Council earlier this year for Crown Hall in the new North East Quadrant . The Duchy was obliged to provide a second community hall by the time the 601st dwelling is occupied in Phases 3 and 4 which includes the North East Quadrant . However , The Duchy ’ s Estate Director Ben Murphy confirmed a review will soon be under way on the potential need and viability for Crown Hall in the North East Quadrant , in light of other community facilities in the pipeline and concerns raised by many residents and stakeholders about over provision of facilities leading to “ white elephants ”.
He said : “ The detailed planning application illustrates how Crown Hall was designed to satisfy the brief for a new 300 seater community hall in Poundbury . Crown Hall is a prominent building sitting at the heart of Crown Square – the main commercial square in this quadrant . “ The building itself is designed with good accessibility in mind for a community hall , with sufficient parking and pedestrian connections to the wider Poundbury community .” He added : “ However , now seems a good time to take stock of Poundbury ' s recreational needs and consult widely with Poundbury residents to see whether there ' s a genuine need and appetite for the community to take on and manage such a large project ." “ This is because the new community facilities , both developed and in the pipeline , and the district council ’ s own audit of community facilities have raised some valid questions over the demand , operation and viability of such a facility .” If it goes ahead , Crown Hall will be set in the heart of Crown Square , which will be lined with larger civic style buildings providing a mix of shops , offices and
Ben Murphy of The Duchy of Cornwall
residential uses . In addition to plans for the new community hall The Duchy confirmed it will be working with the town council to broaden its consultation , which will include all the facilities planned for the Great Field including children ’ s play equipment , a pavilion , skate park and BMX Track , tree planting and new allotments . Close by in Pummery Square sits the Brownsword Hall , which is currently used by the community and can sit 80 people .
12 WWW . CELEBRATINGPOUNDBURY . CO . UK