Housebuilders Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes have formally transferred ownership of a state-of-the-art community centre to Kingsbrook Parish Council at their prominent Kingsbrook development in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. This significant handover represents a major step forward in enhancing local amenities for residents.
A Ceremonial Opening for the Community
To commemorate this important occasion, representatives from the housebuilding firms presented Kingsbrook Parish Council with a ceremonial key on Saturday, January 17. Following the presentation, they cut a ribbon to officially declare the Kingsbrook Community Hub open to the public. This symbolic act marked the beginning of a new chapter for community engagement in the area.
After the official opening, residents were warmly invited inside to explore the new facility. Attendees had the opportunity to view the versatile space while enjoying light refreshments and entertainment provided by a children's performer, creating a festive atmosphere for families.
Substantial Investment in Local Infrastructure
The £2 million Kingsbrook Community Hub stands as the latest crucial piece of infrastructure delivered by Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes within the development. This hub has been realised through investment stemming from the housebuilders' broader Section 106 financial commitments, which total nearly £100 million in contributions designated for Kingsbrook and the wider surrounding community.
Joining a Comprehensive Range of Facilities
The new community centre joins an extensive array of mixed-use facilities already established at Kingsbrook. These include two primary schools and a secondary school, two children's nurseries, Kingsbrook Dental practice, and various retail units such as a Tesco supermarket, Wenzel's bakery, and Esquires cafe. This diverse offering ensures residents have access to essential services and conveniences close to home.
Furthermore, Kingsbrook boasts more than 500 acres of public green space, featuring its Railway Park complete with a wildlife sculpture trail. In an exciting development for nature enthusiasts, works are scheduled to commence later this year on a pioneering 250-acre nature reserve and visitor centre named Kingsbrook Meadows, promising further environmental and recreational benefits.
Commitment to Community Philosophy
Jo Alden, project director at Barratt David Wilson North Thames, expressed enthusiasm about the launch, stating: "It is a genuine pleasure to kickstart the new year by launching the Kingsbrook Community Hub. For the past decade, we have worked incredibly hard to ensure that people and the community philosophy remain at the heart of Kingsbrook, both now and for generations to come."
Alden added: "The creation of a dedicated community centre will support this ambition, providing a quality, flexible space that can be enjoyed by Kingsbrook and the surrounding areas." This statement underscores the long-term vision behind the development.
Successful Launch and Community Integration
Councillor Adam Bennitt, chairman of Kingsbrook Parish Council, reflected on the successful opening weekend: "The launch weekend for our brand new Kingsbrook Community Hub was hugely successful, bringing together our community and showcasing the fantastic new space we now have available. Our thanks go to Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes for their continued support in going beyond housing delivery and building much-needed facilities for our residents to enjoy."
The new hub is poised to become a central gathering point, fostering social connections and supporting various community activities and events for years to come.
