Posted on 20th Jan
WORK on a new community hub, transforming a former council flat in Newark into a one-stop-shop for a range of services and initiatives is getting under way.
Due to open in April, residents will benefit from face-to-face contact for a variety of enquiries about Newark and Sherwood District Council and partner services, including housing and tenancy support as well community safety and
security concerns.
The hub is part of the £550,000 Safer Streets project, led by the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), which forms a package of measures to reduce crime, increase public safety and improve the lives of people in areas of Newark.
The project is a partnership between the PCC, Nottinghamshire Police, the district council and Nottinghamshire County Council to improve security in areas particularly affected by acquisitive crimes such as burglary, vehicle theft and robbery.
Chatham Court in Newark is an area identified to benefit from the scheme and upon consultation with residents, additional community support was recognised as a factor that would make local residents feel safer.
Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Planning Committee officially approved the change of use of the flat and work is now getting under way to convert the former one bedroom, ground floor flat at Chatham Court.
A new, ramped external entrance is being added to the front to give independent access and computers with internet access will be available for residents to use.
The hub will be open between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday, but will also be used on an ad-hoc basis for other community-led services from the police and county council.
Coun David Lloyd, leader of the district council, said: “Residents will benefit from being able to access multiple services for issues that matter most to them, on one site, right in the heart of Chatham Court.
“Additional community support is one way to help residents feel safer and more supported and I’m sure the new hub will be a huge asset to the community.”
PCC Paddy Tipping said: “This is a really exciting resource for people who live in Chatham Court and will make it much easier to access the support, information and services they need to improve their lives and resolve any issues they have.
“I’m really grateful to the team at Newark and Sherwood District Council for their hard work and dedication in making the Community Hub a reality. One of the challenges of any community is ensuring vulnerable residents have access to a network of support to reduce isolation and improve safety. Through the Safer Streets project, this facility will be a huge addition to the community.”
Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for Newark and Sherwood Heather Sutton said: “The hub is a really positive development for the area.
“Tackling crime such as burglary, vehicle theft and robbery is absolutely a priority in the area. This project is very much welcome and we hope that by creating this hub in the heart of the area, residents will feel safer and community support will be improved.
“Having one place to go will not only make it easier for people to make enquiries about concerns they have in the local area, but it will help us deliver crime prevention, work more closely with our partners and join forces in our continued efforts to support locals and tackle crime and other issues which may affect them.”
