HCPG vision for Northview School site

Northview School is the newest school built in Highworth. We understand that it has a hall and good sized rooms, a modern kitchen and excellent grounds. We envisage that it can be fairly readily converted to community use in the same way that wards in Swindon Town have their community centres.

We already know of a number of organisations, seeking a more permanent base such as the Amateur Dramatic Society and the Historical Society. There are other organisations who would like to set up in the town, but lack a venue, including a table tennis club and an archery club. The grounds have been well maintained and provide an excellent mini eco-system that could continue to be used by a number of organisations. Already, one private company has shown enormous enthusiasm in continuing to use the site.

Aim

To create a community resource for the residents and businesses of Highworth.

Detail

It is important to the people of Highworth that the Northview School be retained as a community resource in perpetuity. HCPG has the will and the capacity to change its use to that of a community facility.

What would HCPG do?

Bearing in mind that the premises are likely to be vacated by 1st September 2010, HCPG would move quickly to draw up a comprehensive business plan including:

• A feasibility study

• A site survey

• Research into other venues in the town (size, cost and extent of use)

• Consult with local residents

• A study of potential users, both community organisations and private contractors

• Research funding streams – independent of statutory authorities

• Define products and services offered

• Prepare a marketing plan, including a 3 year budget plan

• List the social benefits and expected outcomes

• Complete a risk assessment

Negotiate start up costs and level of financial and personnel support from Swindon Borough Council

Further Information

Subject to Swindon Borough Council being satisfied that HCPG can carry out this project, the organisation would after due advice, probably set up a Community interest Company, which would be a company limited by guarantee. This organisation would be charged with running the facility, with oversight from the HCPG Strategy Group. Once this company is set up then it could run additional commercial ventures to help fund the resource. These activities could include, after school clubs; localized computer training; an expanded Job Club; organisation of conferences and seminars for local businesses; community swap shop; E-bay trading.

The outcome

HCPG would ensure that the Northview site is preserved, maintained and put to full community use. Within three years it would be self-funding, with an operating profit. Swindon Borough Council would be able to retain the buildings to re-establish the school should population growth demand it.

Please click here to leave your comments and suggestions for the use of the Northview School Site.

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