Community Hub for All

Everyone in Thame will have access to this incredible facility and its outdoor spaces. Thame’s Community & Youth Centre will be used for: Conferences, lectures, celebrations, wedding receptions, fitness classes, local cinema, functions for seniors, youth groups & skills training, catered functions, exhibitions, concerts, family events, picnics, and so much more.

Take a peek at the architect’s vision.

About the Project

Did you know that Thame is one of the only towns in Oxfordshire that does not have a dedicated community centre or tailored spaces for its youth? We want to change that, but we need your help.

Our Vision

The Community & Youth Centre will provide:

• Flexible and rentable spaces, including a new 200 capacity community hall for events, lectures, conferences, health and wellbeing, fitness and arts activities; a music room, kitchen, dedicated youth club, and small group and 1-to-1 consultation spaces.
• A new, larger entrance to the Scout Headquarters.
• Landscaped exterior spaces with a rejuvenated play area, public toilets with disabled access & baby changing facilities, seating, and an income generating kiosk.
• More car parking with EV chargers & bike racks.
• Educational opportunities for visitors to learn about the many benefits of the Cuttlebrook Nature Reserve and the specific environmental needs of the area.

Many Benefits

The new Centre will provide a place for all ages to meet and/or play.

The Centre will help reduce anti-social behaviour, improve emotional and physical wellbeing, give people new skills for work and life, especially those facing the greatest challenges.

The Centre will also be self-sustaining through income from pre-identified potential ‘anchor tenants’, other regular and ad hoc hires, and from statutory and charitable grants.

View the full Planning Application details here.

Why We Need It

• Thame has growing youth and elderly populations.
• Thame’s amenities are not keeping pace with growth, or towns of a similar size.
• For over a decade, residents have been calling for a community centre in Thame.
• Our youth desperately need a facility where they feel safe, can come together, obtain advice and support from youth workers and volunteers, learn new skills, interact, and be active.
• Our senior residents tell us they want more community & intergenerational engagement and interaction.
• The Centre’s facilities will help:
  – improve mental health,
  – increase physical activity,
  – encourage human interaction, and
  – promote outdoor activity and wellbeing.