We are currently fundraising through a variety of events to make our new parish centre a reality. Alverstoke's Parish Centre, properly called St.Mary's Church Parish Centre, is now 50 years old, and although it always looks well-presented and cared for, it is in need of a major programme of refurbishment. Maintenance costs are starting to outstrip income, the roof leaks, the drains are crumbling, the heating system is inadequate and the building does not meet current regulations for accessibility. If we cannot raise enough money to rebuild, then the facility will eventually fall into disrepair, and be lost to the community. Although the Centre is used by a number of St Maryβs Church groups it is Community Groups that make most use of the hall and lounge. Currently there are thirty community groups, representing a full range of age and needs, who use the centre on a regular basis, including Mothers and Toddlers, the Multiple Sclerosis society, Cardio Vascular Rehabilitation, a Youth Group, three Womensβ Institutes, the Guiding Association, Baby & Toddlers' to name a few. Only one room can be used at any time (as there is no soundproofing), and some potential users have been lost, as their preferred day and time had been allocated. Group members have made new friends, and joined other groups through contacts made in the centre. These are just a few examples of how important this centre is to the wellbeing of different groups within our community
The design of the new building, for which we now have planning permission, provides rooms of different sizes, with accessibility, catering and flexibility built in, to meet a range of needs. The main hall will be large enough for badminton, exercise classes, table tennis, large functions, and meetings; smaller rooms also available for meetings, and smaller social functions. A quantity surveyor has estimated that the cost of a new building, including professional fees, will be around Β£2 million. We realise that this is a huge undertaking, but we need to plan to provide a building that can meet increasing demands for usage, and will be fit for purpose now, and for many years to come. We are planning a series of fundraising events, which will be promoted here. This is a major project for the community and needs everyone to get involved if we're to provide a facility for ourselves, our families and for generations to come.
