Dear All

We are absolutely delighted to announce, that after a six-year legal process, the transfer of The Bridge to Parchment Trust is finally complete. Now we have that formal confirmation, we can confidently press on with plans.

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It has been a very long, frustrating wait for everyone concerned, for all at Parchment Trust and the wider local community who have been without a beloved community centre for a very long time. Thank you to everyone who has helped us so far and to the local community for your unwavering patience.

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What’s happening next?

The Bridge development project: We will be raising funds to get the building safe and operational, and also now making a detailed plan for how we will run The Bridge as a charity for the benefit of our members and the wider community.

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There is much to do and large amounts of investment are required. Once we are clear on the cost and plan for the building, we will prioritise getting funding and completing essential works to ensure the building is safe with good facilities.

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We will involve our team, members and local people in the plans for The Bridge at key points in the project. Our friends at Hastings Voluntary Action and The Big Local have kindly offered to help us to connect with local people through their strong community links in the area.

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Later in the process, we’ll be taking expressions of interest from people and groups who would like to help or use The Bridge to amplify the community offer. We look forward to those exciting conversations in the future. I hope you understand that we can’t do that just yet.

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We intend to re-open The Bridge so that it brings as much as possible to the local area and runs for years to come. So, we will be working very hard to ensure that the business model supports a sustained, impactful service that we can all be proud of.

 

When is the opening date?

Due to the complexity of the works, the planning and cost involved, it is impossible to name a precise opening date at this point.

Our best guess and current aim is to be able to re-open to the public by late spring 2025. This is ambitious given there is so much to do, but we are driven by our excitement and commitment to create something really special for everyone.

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How can I get involved and find out more?

1. The latest news on The Bridge will always be posted on this webpage

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2. Have your say now: Phase 1 community consultation 15th April - 9th May 2024. Tell us your thoughts on The Bridge – what you think local people would most value – this will inform our initial planning. Follow this link: https://forms.office.com/e/7qEP99rktr          or use the QR code below to complete the survey.

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Warm regards,

The Parchment Trust Team.