Proposals to develop land adjacent to Smarts Heath Common, known as Ten Acre Farm, for recreational use by the local community were announced on Thursday 11 May 2017.
The proposals, subject to Planning Consent, could see the relocation of Woking Gymnastics Club from Kingfield to a new purpose-built facility, improved amenities for visitors to Smarts Heath Common and enhanced flood alleviation measures for the local area.
Cllr John Kingsbury, Leader of Woking Borough Council and Portfolio Holder for Asset Management, said: “As one of the Borough’s most successful clubs, it has been an aspiration of the Council to relocate Woking Gymnastics Club to more suitable premises that would allow its continued growth.
“Whilst we have investigated many sites across the Borough, Ten Acre Farm offers an ideal location. It would also enable the Council to develop its own plans to improve resident’s health and wellbeing by attracting visitors and walkers to Smarts Heath Common, similar to that achieved at Heather Farm, as well as improving local flood alleviation measures.”
Lionel Smith-Gordon, Chairman of Woking Gymnastics Club, added: “When originally built, some 33 years ago, our facility was state-of-the-art nationally, but unfortunately the building is now cramped and tired. We simply do not have the space to provide gymnastics activities to meet the demand from our members.
“With the increased popularity of the sport, we also want to expand the options and disciplines that we offer including a greater variety of classes and activities. However, over the last few years we have tried to expand our existing facility, but the options have been limited and challenging.
“With the continued support of Woking Borough Council, these proposals offer an exceptional opportunity to secure the Club’s long-term future, whilst providing second-to-none facilities within the heart of the local community.”
Horsell based architectural practice, WADP Ltd, are working closely with Woking Gymnastics Club and Woking Borough Council to design the new club building along with master planning the overall site proposals, supported by a specialist team of consultants.
Jonathan Tolley, Principal of WADP, said: “WADP have been working with Woking Gymnastics Club for some time to understanding their requirements. We are working to achieve an exciting design for this environmentally sensitive building and are very excited to be given the opportunity to deliver such a key building in a fabulous setting that will provide such great facilities for both the Club and local people.”
The site, which is owned by Woking Borough Council, is located on the eastern side of Smarts Heath Common along Smarts Heath Road.
The proposals include:
More information about the project is available by visiting www.tenacre.org.uk or by emailing info@tenacre.org.uk.
The proposals, subject to Planning Consent, could see the relocation of Woking Gymnastics Club from Kingfield to a new purpose-built facility, improved amenities for visitors to Smarts Heath Common and enhanced flood alleviation measures for the local area.
Cllr John Kingsbury, Leader of Woking Borough Council and Portfolio Holder for Asset Management, said: “As one of the Borough’s most successful clubs, it has been an aspiration of the Council to relocate Woking Gymnastics Club to more suitable premises that would allow its continued growth.
“Whilst we have investigated many sites across the Borough, Ten Acre Farm offers an ideal location. It would also enable the Council to develop its own plans to improve resident’s health and wellbeing by attracting visitors and walkers to Smarts Heath Common, similar to that achieved at Heather Farm, as well as improving local flood alleviation measures.”
Lionel Smith-Gordon, Chairman of Woking Gymnastics Club, added: “When originally built, some 33 years ago, our facility was state-of-the-art nationally, but unfortunately the building is now cramped and tired. We simply do not have the space to provide gymnastics activities to meet the demand from our members.
“With the increased popularity of the sport, we also want to expand the options and disciplines that we offer including a greater variety of classes and activities. However, over the last few years we have tried to expand our existing facility, but the options have been limited and challenging.
“With the continued support of Woking Borough Council, these proposals offer an exceptional opportunity to secure the Club’s long-term future, whilst providing second-to-none facilities within the heart of the local community.”
Horsell based architectural practice, WADP Ltd, are working closely with Woking Gymnastics Club and Woking Borough Council to design the new club building along with master planning the overall site proposals, supported by a specialist team of consultants.
Jonathan Tolley, Principal of WADP, said: “WADP have been working with Woking Gymnastics Club for some time to understanding their requirements. We are working to achieve an exciting design for this environmentally sensitive building and are very excited to be given the opportunity to deliver such a key building in a fabulous setting that will provide such great facilities for both the Club and local people.”
The site, which is owned by Woking Borough Council, is located on the eastern side of Smarts Heath Common along Smarts Heath Road.
The proposals include:
- fully equipped gymnastic hall with changing facilities and additional rooms for related disciplines
- restaurant with terrace and picnic area for use by visitors to Smarts Heath Common
- footpath providing easy access to Smart Health Common
- ample parking facilities for visitors to Woking Gymnastics Club and Smarts Heath Common
- feature pond and reed bed that will improve flood resilience
- sympathetic landscaping of the area.
More information about the project is available by visiting www.tenacre.org.uk or by emailing info@tenacre.org.uk.
