The community of Cricklade are celebrating after gaining formal planning permission for the redevelopment of the former Police Station, on Cricklade’s high street. The redevelopment will see the conversion of the former Police Station to two 1-bedroom homes and retail and commercial units with outside community space.
The project has been driven forward by Cricklade Development Foundation (CDF), a community organisation of 140 local members and growing. CDF has worked closely with the Wiltshire and Swindon community-led housing hub, Homes of Our Own, to lay the foundations for the project, which was started because of concerns over the future of Cricklade’s high street. Key to the project’s success is the hard work and dedication of the Foundation’s Board and members who have worked tirelessly to bring the project forward.
The homes and commercial space should be available at a very competitive rent which should help to attract businesses which complement and enhance the High Street and build on the thriving local community hub. CDF believe Initial development works could begin next month but the full works are likely to be staggered over several months due to lead in times for building firms.
The purchase of the property and the development has, to date, been funded by the members of CDF along with some small grant monies. In addition to buying the building the membership has financed an additional and impressive £158,000 towards the redevelopment. In order to be able to fulfil it’s potential, CDF are looking to increase membership and raise additional funds to cover the costs of bringing the now disused building back into use for the benefit of the local community.
Ruth Szybiak, Chair and Director of the Foundation says:
“There have been some hurdles to jump over the last 4 years to reach this very important milestone. With the granting of Planning Permission we now can truly move the project forward for, and with the help of, the local community.”
The Foundation have been hosting open days, giving people the opportunity to look around the building as it is and the revised plans for its redevelopment. The next open day will take place on Monday 2nd May 2022 between 10:30am – 12:30pm. The Foundation are keen to ensure that the local community continue to be involved throughout the development process and are looking for volunteers to help with some initial works. Details of working party dates will be announced shortly and will be posted on the Cricklade Development Foundation’s website.
If you are interested in supporting the development, would like to know how you can do this or would like further information about the Old Police Station development, see www.crickladefoundation.org.uk.
