EXCITING plans to transform Dinton Activity Centre are finally set to be given the go-ahead next week after initial designs were revealed nine months ago.
The original drawings were scrapped just a few months later after residents labelled them as ‘hideous’ and a ‘concrete monstrosity’.
READ MORE: Readers slam 'hideous' activity centre designs
Now fresh plans — unveiled in February and drastically changed from the first designs — are set to face councillors’ judgement before building work can begin.
The makeover will include:
- Building a new and modern, two-storey activity centre following the demolition of the existing one
- A new activity hall and changing facilities
- A classroom
- A Cafe
- 86 parking spaces
Planning officers have recommended the plans are approved despite the countryside location of the activity centre, which is based on Sandford Lane in Hurst.
READ MORE: New activity centre designs unveiled
Despite this, three letters of objection have been received by Wokingham Borough Council with concerns about insufficient parking.
According to Wokingham Borough Council (WBC), the applicants, the new facility will operate in the same way as the existing centre, with a range of outdoor, climbing and ziplining activities offered to users.
The improved designs mean the centre can operate during winter months, which is “currently very difficult given the limited internal space at the existing site.”
In a planning report, WBC added: “The proposal comprises the significant improvement and redevelopment of a long-established facility to bring the centre up to modern standards and allow it to be used year-round.”
Details submitted with the application suggest the number of visitors to the site is expected to increase from just under 15,000 annually to approximately 26,000.
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The building work on Dinton Activity Centre is expected to cost £1.8 million in total.
WBC’s planning committee is expected to give the designs the all-clear at a meeting on Wednesday, August 12.
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