Innovative plan for new multi-cultural centre
Bids have been submitted for grants to fund the final chunk of costs for a new multi-cultural centre in Sydenham. Thanks in large part to a £571,902 grant from the National Lottery last year (at the same time, the largest ever awarded in the West Midlands) only £200,000 of the estimated £1 million building costs has yet to be raised by members of the Sydenham Neighbourhood Initiatives Project. Final details of the plans which include provision for a community hall, café, education area, social services, youth centre, playground and reference library among other facilities were given the green light by Warwick District Council several weeks ago. Grant applications have been submitted with a number of organisations, and project officers are hoping to hear by the summer if they have been successful. If all goes according to plan, building work at the former Sydenham First School site in Marloes Walk could begin in the autumn with a completion date of Spring 2001. Project Manager, Alaina MacGregor, said: “ We’re very pleased with the progress so far, but the latest bids are needed to cover the rest of the costs. “The advantage of this project is it will be open to everyone in Sydenham, and we’re keen to have it up-and-running as soon as possible.” Project trustee and secretary, Richard Drew, said: “ We’re delighted with how things have gone to date, and we’re extremely grateful to all our helpers and supporters. “ We should know by the summer if these bids have been successful, but obviously we will have running costs on top of the building work.” Local fundraising has also formed a major part of the project campaign. The latest instalment of this was the May festival held at Sydenham Primary School on Saturday. Final totals are not in yet, but more than 500 people passed through the gates to enjoy a range of fun activities, including Bhangra dancing, the Sydni Olympics, car boot stalls, a tombola, bouncy castle and a clown show, among others. General election candidates from all the main parties were also present, and information was on display about the community centre. The full planning application also includes 24 terraced houses, a terrace of 12 sheltered housing units, football pitches, a basket ball court and car parking. Architects Acanthus Clews have revealed the design for the building this week. It is an innovative and highly cost-effective plan, with the wide spread use of natural daylight and thermally-efficient materials to keep energy costs down. 
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