Click on each thumbnail to read each article

1st April 2010

2 Members of the CWC (Howard Cox and Kim Fletcher) met with one of our local MEPs this week, to see if the EEC will help with the development and support of the Centre. We will keep you informed of the progress


24th March 2010

The Cranbrook Weald Centre Project are using an independent research group that will be soon asking key people in Cranbrook and the Parish their "current" opinions as to what is required inside our new "ideal" Centre. If you feel that you wish to be included in this research because you or your group will be users of the facility, please email the CWC at contact@cranbrookwealdcentre.org. Based on CWC's analysis so far, the research group have been asked to investigate relevant to today's economy:

  • What do we need inside the centre, Size of building. Type: based on population size and other areas which we service to include flexible / modular space. Modern design. Sustainable. "Green" building. Do we include public loos inside the building etc
  • List users, stakeholders, potential footfall, local population, visitors, students. From 8,000 to 20,000. (local population to transient influx). All age groups. visitors, residents, tourists etc
  • Over 50 Community Provision Suppliers e.g. Age Concern, CAB, Clubs, Societies, community services etc
  • Functional Usage Education (all age groups), Vocational Training
  1. Social Enterprise
  2. Medical partnerships, Gateway etc
  3. Entertainment
  4. Sport, Clubs etc
  5. Business usage
  6. Internet Café etc (Innovations & technology)
  7. Working with other partners, investors, sponsors etc
  • How much will it cost to run? Test "again" whether shared paying relevant business tenancy, to support running costs is viable. To reduce burden on local tax payer

18th February 2010

At the Cranbrook & Sissinghurst Parish Council Meeting in Sissinghurst, Howard Cox made a statement of where the Community Centre Project is currently placed. To see the exact verbatum report, click here: CIC Chairman’s Report


15th February 2010

Peter Davies submitted a successfully aproved motion on Weds 24th Feb 2010 to TWBC as follows.

  • "Tunbridge Wells Borough Council reaffirms its commitment to materially assist in the provision of new community facilities in Cranbrook, as outlined by the Leader of the Council on 22nd July 2009.
  • To this end, the Borough Council will continue to work with the Parish Council and other local groups in Cranbrook in finalising details of the new facility, identifying the site for it, assisting in the preparation of the necessary planning applications and licenses and also actively and materially assisting in obtaining the necessary capital financing. This funding to be channelled through an appropriate body identified for this purpose.
  • The Council acknowledges that the debate with local interest groups has been necessarily protracted, and that this has generated considerable frustration locally. However it now intends to facilitate the progress of this important infrastructural project in the Borough as speedily as possible."

8th December 2009

At the Cranbrook Weald Centre Group meeting, it was agreed to actively assess the following sites for a new Centre due to the CO-OP location now not being an option....

  • Bottom of the Regal Car Park (TWBC)
  • Next to The Toilets area (C&SPC)
  • Wilkes Field (Private)
  • TWBC Council Offices Site (Again)

We will keep you informed of progress...


 8th September 2009:
The CWC is  a member of the CIC Association of Community Interest Companies:  What is a CIC?28th March 2010

Howard Cox met with our 3 Local Borough Councillors last week and is glad to report that John Smith, Peter Davies and Sean Holden support the Cranbrook Weald Centre Group and are helping in our aim to get the best Centre for our community. They emphasised the importance to get the right site as quickly as possible so we all have a community focus pont to help starting to raise funds and to get developing asap. In addition they supported the independent research process being commissioned as a massive help to convince TWBC as to what is required in Cranbrook. "I have to say that it was a very constructive meeting with the local Borough Councillors"