12 February 2026 – Minutes (draft)

PUBLIC TOWN MEETING

Minutes of the Public Town Meeting held on 12 February 2026 at 6pm in the Upper Chamber, Thame Town Hall.

Present:

Approximately 70 were in attendance including Councillors, Officers and representatives.

1. Welcome

Town Mayor, Cllr Andy Gilbert welcomed residents to this Public Meeting.  Cllr Gilbert spoke as a representative of the Town Council to share information regarding the project to build Thame’s Community and Youth Centre (Project Link).  The Council will respond to previously submitted questions and then receive further questions during the Open Forum.

Cllr Gilbert introduced the Panel.

Cllr Paul Cowell – representative of Thame Town Council and Thame Youth Projects
Mandy Sturdy – Town Clerk
Claire Styles – Fundraiser
Alex Stevens – Clues Architects
Jenny Doherty – Committee Services Officer
Immy Hawkins – Communications Apprentice

Cllr Gilbert thanked all those who submitted questions ahead of the event.

 

2. A brief overview of the project to date

A report issued in 2025 by New Local suggests that the presence of community assets is a better predictor of life satisfaction than an areas GDP or average household income.

Project Link will be open to everyone.  All local residents, those facing economic or health/mobility challenges, and anyone at risk of isolation or discrimination.  Thame should have a welcoming, inclusive Community & Youth Centre for all.

What the project is and why it matters:

Community Centres foster human connection; places to walk in, feel safe, and share challenges and joys, with access to support. Thame has affluence, but hidden issues exist; this Centre is intended to bring everyone together.

The Centre will serve as a multi-generational, inclusive hub, supporting youth, families, older residents and community groups.  Designed to be flexible, sustainable, long lasting with spaces for youth activities with a multimedia room, for group activities ranging in size (with space for 200), private consultation space with outdoor connectivity.

How we got here:

Nearly 10 years of surveys, school engagement and public consultation carried out by Thame Youth Projects and Thame Town Council.  Engagement included conversations with students from Lord Williams’s School, Scouts, Guides, Youth Groups and Student Councils.  The project surveyed 41 community operations (including Senior Friendship Centre and Red Kite Family Centre) to confirm the need; responses were positive.

Separate public surveys (online and at the Town Council Information Centre) also showed high demand for a combined Community & Youth Centre.

Two external surveys identified Southern Road as the best and only suitable location, due to space size and ownership by the Town Council.

Clews Architects developed the designs; planning permission was sought with public consultation, including a Guide HQ public event, mailing, leafleting to every household in 2024/25, and social media marketing.

Planning permission was granted in 2023; interiors, landscaping, and build details are being finalised.

Progress and funding:

The Public Works Loan (PWL) was approved in December 2025; the Town Council has 12 months to draw down the funds and is pursuing additional funding to reduce loan exposure.

The building is planned to be flexible to support the community and youth, with multi-media room, flexible rooms for social events and private consultation spaces.

Why Thame needs this:

Thame’s population includes 23% under 19; 10% of children live in poverty (often hidden locally). Thame is the only Oxfordshire town of its size without a Community Centre.

South Oxfordshire District Council data show 18% of the population is over 65, with over 400 people in Thame within that age group experiencing loneliness.

The Centre’s aim is to bring the community together, providing a welcoming, inclusive space for all.

 

3. Answers to any questions received ahead of the meeting

Submitted Questions:

Finance:

  1. Question: Has written advice been obtained regarding whether any VAT levied will be recoverable? VAT payable needs to be funded.

Answer: Yes, advice was taken from DCK Accountants, who have many years’ experience in local authority and with similar projects.  There are two models which the Council are looking into for the governance of the building and in both options, VAT can be reclaimed.  Whilst this advice is not currently in writing, the council will continue to work with specialists regarding VAT throughout this project; and as the project moves forward.

 

  1. Question: How is this project being funded?

Answer: This project will be funded by a Public Works Loan, developer S106 funds specific to this project, and to Southern Road Recreational Ground (already received).  Through continued fundraising, grants and Thame Town Council investment.

 

  1. Question: What is the actual amount of the Public Works Loan Board loan and Section 106 money for this development? What is the interest rate on the PWLB and is this included in the costs?

Answer: The Public Works Loan is up to a maximum of £3,019,000. S106 funds £779,246.  The interest rate for the loan changes twice daily, so it will be known once applied to draw down (two days before) as an example, at 10/02/2026 the interest rate was 6.25%.  The interest rate is included in all calculations and adjusted on the forecast.

 

  1. Question: What is the estimated Council Tax increase, and will this be billed separately or included in the South Oxfordshire District Council Tax Bill which is restricted to a 5% increase?

Answer: The maximum increase that will be included in the Precept for this project is £35 per year (or £0.68 per week). per band D property.  The Precept, which is Thame’s proportion of the Council Tax is calculated separately to the proportion calculated for the other Councils (SODC, OCC and the Police) and is not restricted to a 5% increase.  The Precept is charged together within the full council tax bill.

For example, the Council Tax for a Band D household for the year 2025 / 26 split:

Thame Town Council Precept

£213.86

8.35%

SODC

£151.24

5.91%

OCC

£1,911.40

74.67%

Thames Vally Police

£283.28

11.07%

Total

£2,559.78

100%

£35 would be 0.02% of the annual council tax bill for Band D property in Thame based on these figures.  The aim is to fundraise towards the build cost.

 

  1. Question: Will we be paying more money in council taxes to fund this project?

Answer: Yes (as above) there will be an increased council tax to help fund this whole community project, the council agreed to cap the increase for the project at £35 per band D household.

 

  1. Question: How much is the contingency budget allocated for overruns on this project? Who in Thame Town Council is managing the project, who is signing off the stage/interim payments to the construction company?  Has an independent Quantity Surveyor (QS) been appointed to oversee and advise the council?  Will the Council appoint an independent project manager?

Answer: In the latest cost plan, there is a contingency of 9% of the project cost.  An Independent Quantity Surveyor (QS) from Greenwood Projects (Page 6 FAQ) has been appointed and is working on the project.  A Project Team, including the Town Clerk, is managing the project.  Once the construction tender is awarded, a professional project manager will support the project team which will include Town Council staff.  Stage payments will be managed with the contractors QS and our QS to check independently before being signed off by the Town Clerk.  Any financial decisions always go to Full Council for sign off, the authority is with the Councillors at Full Council.

 

  1. Question: Why does this Town Council believe they have the right to burden the rate payers of Thame with a 49-year public works loan in excess of £3 million on the yes vote of 443 residents?

Answer: This will be a council owned building, but community led and run, providing a safe space for the whole community to come together.  It will regenerate the area of Southern Road to deliver a safe, inclusive Centre for the wellbeing of the whole community.  The council felt and continue to feel that the increase of £35 per year, or £2.92 per month (per household living in a Band D property, whilst this is increased for larger properties of higher council tax banding) was reasonable to provide a valuable facility to the community.

The project is the result of many years of consultations including the consultation in 2024/25 when a leaflet was delivered to every home in Thame asking their opinion on how the community felt, whether the Council should apply for a public works loan and if the community supported the Community & Youth Centre.  In addition to the leaflet, this was published on social media. 499 responses received – 88.8% of which were in favour of applying for the loan to deliver the community project.  Whilst we would have liked a higher response from residents, not only in favour of the project but to have heard from those against the project.

The feedback from the Public Works Loan administration team commented that it was a higher-than-average response from similar surveys. 

There are various legal powers that the Council has to provide a Community Centre. The project also falls within the General Power of Competence – Localism Act 2011 s1-8.

 

  1. Question: Can you provide a breakdown of the proportions of the budget allotted to each aspect of it – to the Youth Centre, the 200-seat venue, the gardens and any other elements?

Answer: The details will be on the FAQ; the breakdown will be available as we have not yet gone to tender the QS figures are commercially sensitive.

The breakdown in % is:

Breakdown of Construction Costs

Demolition

1%

Build of Community & Youth Centre

72%

Car Parking and Roadways

10%

Hard Landscaping

4%

Soft Landscaping

5%

Drainage

3%

External Services

2%

Inflation to mid-point

4%
 

100%

 

  1. Question: Whilst not opposed to the provision of facilities for youth, the cost of £6 million is excessive, and is this the best use of money? Why not refurbish the existing Scout building?

Answer: Scout HQ has a full weekly timetable of activities with the Scouts using the facility at least 5 days a week, daytime and evening activities.  It would not fit the scope required for this project or the usage that we expect.  The current estimated cost for the total project is circa £4.5 million. The project has been developed to deliver a safe space for the whole community now and in the future.  The costs are in line with similar projects of this scale in Didcot and a Centre not far from Reading have recently been built for similar amounts.

Specification:

  1. Question: What are the detailed differences in the specification now compared to the original proposal that was shared on the Oxfordshire planning website?

Answer: The detailed specification has been developed in line with the approved planning documents.  Minor alterations to windows to provide more natural light and Air Source Heat Pumps to provide a low carbon heating system.

Location:

  1. Question: Where exactly is the proposed Centre to be located?

Answer: The building will be situated where the existing car park is at Southern Road Recreational Ground which serves the Scout HQ (the car park will be relocated and expanded).  The proposed site plan can be viewed on SODC’s planning portal website here.

 

  1. Question: Are there plans to include traffic calming measures on Southern Rd if the Community Centre holds larger events than originally proposed?

Answer: The Transport Statement determines that the current speed bumps located on Southern Road are sufficient.  There have not been any Personal Injury Collisions on Southern Road in the 5-year period to 2021. It is determined that there will be no specific accident issues or blackspots as a result of the development. The road is now 20mph.

 

  1. Question: Will additional parking be allowed for?

Answer: Yes, the Transport Statement includes details of a parking survey that showed there is spare capacity in existing car parks.  The proximity to the town centre allows travel via public transport, cycle or foot.  The development removes 26 spaces from the recreation ground but adds 40 new spaces including 3 disabled spaces and ducting for 4 EV charges.  This amounts to 14 additional spaces.  The proposed number of spaces is considered appropriate in the report.  There will be a total of 118 spaces within 200m of the Centre and for very large events the recreation ground can be used for overflow parking as is when the Town Fair is in the town centre.

 

  1. Question: Has additional traffic to the rec and the impact on the existing children’s playground been considered?

Answer: Yes, assessment of traffic data and surveys has been interrogated, and the development proposals are considered to generate very modest vehicle movements during the morning and evening peak.

The transport statement concludes that the development is fully in accordance with local and national policy and that the impact of the development is not severe.  Local Highways department has approved the proposals as part of the planning permission.  The Traffic management plan will be submitted and approved for construction.

The playground will be redeveloped as part of this project and relocated.  The development removes the road that currently splits the playground and playing fields which is a current safety issue.

Build:

  1. Question: For the mitigation of residents and St. Joseph’s school – can the construction hours and deliveries be prohibited between the hours of 8am to 9am and 2.30pm and 3.30pm? Due to the danger that it poses to children attending St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School.

Answer: The safety of pedestrians at these times will be considered as part of the construction traffic management plan to be submitted and approved by the local planning authority.

 

  1. Question: How much is the new building quote and fit-out costs including CCTV and catering facilities? Has VAT been included in the fit-out costs?

Answer: The total project cost is estimated to be £4.5m, of which around £3.6m is for construction. A budget is included for the kitchen fit out. VAT will be recoverable. The tender specifications are commercially sensitive currently and CCTV is included.

 

  1. Question: What assistance can Thame Players provide to assist with lighting and sound systems?

Answer: Working with Thame Players and other local groups for this community asset will be key to its success.  We have a list of stakeholders and partners who have already expressed an interest and look forward to involving them (where we have not already).  We want to work in partnership with local communities.

 

  1. Question: Will signage be installed to indicate no access for construction vehicles on Mitchell Close, Spring Path, Rooks Lane and Hazelton Close? Parking of construction vehicles should be prohibited, enforced and penalties applied on the main roads around the construction site.

Answer: The Traffic Management Plan will be submitted and approved for construction.

 

  1. Question: Wheel washing of any construction vehicles must be insisted on and complied with to prevent the spreading of mud on roads and pavements in the surrounding area of the site.

Answer: As above, the Traffic Management Plan will be submitted and approved for construction.  The Council will communicate with local residents, and this will be included in our communication plan.

 

  1. Question: For the period of construction of this project, the Southern Road Recreation Ground will be a mess. Where will construction vehicles be parked and will the Sport England playing field be protected?

Answer: The construction site plan is to be developed, but it is planned for the playing field to remain accessible during the build.  Once the experts are on board, Thame Town Council can guide this, and this will be developed to be as quick as possible.

 

Events:

  1. Question: With such a large hall – what kind of events do you envisage holding and how will this impact on other similar venues in Thame?

Answer: We have spoken to many local organisations 30/40 plus groups, and there is a greater understanding that further facilities are needed as Thame grows.  As this will be one of the larger venues (200 capacity) in Thame this will support events which other halls and venues are too small for.  It is an opportunity to use space for a wide range of activities.  This will enhance, not take away from other venues in Thame. At popular times we are advised that other venues decide between community and business use.

Whilst we do want to attract paying users this building will provide an opportunity for the community to run wellbeing events linked to the Health Centre and other partner organisations.

 

  1. Question: What will this space be used for?

Answer: There is a huge range of options, to offer connectivity to combat loneliness, to use for wellbeing and wellness.  A safe space for young people to relax, take part in activities, learn new skills, to support 1:1 conversations when needed.  Using the open space of the recreational ground for activities, for example the running track.  Use of music equipment, providing space for band practice, and the expansion of the Red Kite Family Centre at the Centre will enable young people to plan and deliver their own activities.

 

Youth:

  1. Question: How do you hope to attract and retain teenagers from a broad social spectrum? Is money available to employ qualified Youth Workers?

Answer: The Community & Youth Centre will be able to offer a wide range of activities, often led and planned by the young people within space.  This is something that the community of Thame cannot provide today, this limits what we can provide as the Thame Youth Projects currently have to pay to hire venues. 

The Community & Youth Centre will provide opportunities for the youth to come to a safe, managed space, and enjoy activities.  We will engage the young people and consider their opinions, and ask what they want to do, they will be involved to plan, not adults telling them what to do, the young people will be able to shape activities at the Centre and what they want to do – the green space offers a wider range of options.

This will allow us to appeal across the spectrum, as there are young people today who don’t want to attend big groups, with crowds, as they feel this isn’t the right space for them, the design of the building offers space to sit quietly with friends, and the building allows them to do that.

Thame Youth Projects (TYPG) currently employ a full-time Youth Worker and has for 5/6 years.  Thame is probably the only town in the area which has a full-time Youth Worker.  The Centre will enable the Youth Worker to plan and develop a strategy to provide more activities and support.  Young people surveyed have indicated that they would like to use the facility after school and at the weekends.  Our Youth Worker support will need to expand once the Centre is nearing opening, Thame Youth Projects will need to explore funding to support this. Currently Thame Youth Projects pay to hire venues which limits what we can do.  The Youth Worker spends part of their time at Lord Williams’s School, and this will grow and expand.

 

  1. Question: Given that the Recreational Ground is already used by younger people, remains of substance use can be found around the areas, will there be additional Policing / CCTV?

Answer: The recreational ground (and cricket ground) space is used by youths as both are deal spaces, having spoken to the Police part of the reasons for this is there is no line of sight from the main roads, particularly the car park, the changing rooms and behind the Scouts HQ as there is an area which is cut off from line of sight.  Later in the evenings, the site is not used, this building will change this, it will bring people in during the day and evenings.  This will change substance abuse and antisocial behaviour on the Southern Road Recreational Ground site.  Thame Town Council sought advice from the Crime Prevention team, and Thames Valley Police as part of the planning and the perspective design was approved.

 

  1. Question: It is vital that the needs of young people are met, as it is the primary reason for this project. What youth events will take place? Are the needs of young people going to be prioritised over other usage?  How many promised hours have been dedicated for young people and how will the cost of recruiting and training part-time Youth Workers to expand the youth provision be paid for?  How many other groups/organisations have already signed up to use the building?

Answer: The overall building will be managed during opening hours to provide safe spaces.

Youth events will be driven by youth; we will help, support and provide.  Future events to be determined. Previous events arranged include outdoor games, art workshops, graffiti at the skatepark, there are a wide range of events which Thame Youth Projects will put in place and will work with the youth.

The Centre will be open after school; we have ideas and concepts from a number of young people who have been canvassed.

The community facilities will be open for as long and as often as the community wishes to use it.  We have spoken to 30/40 Community groups who have expressed interest in using space.

There are several companies in Thame which hold meetings/training courses and there are very few places in Thame to do this so we hope that business will also use the space.

Providing a safe space for young people is not the only reason for needing a Community Centre, the youth are one of several target groups.

 

4.  Open Forum – Questions from Electors

  1. Question: What planned relationships are there with local schools, virtual schools and with those children on the edge of falling out of education and what services can be available?

Answer: The Youth Worker already works at Lord Williams’s School with those children, and we reach out to primary schools to engage with children who need the support before moving up to Lord Williams’s School.  Currently the Youth Worker works with Year 7 upwards.  This Centre will allow us to improve this and expand.

Those who don’t go to school, there aren’t enough resources to engage with those young people, we have reached out to Lord Williams’s School and made efforts to engage with those people and parents, it is very difficult to do so without a safe space.  Often those young people want to be alone, without family or school, the Centre will provide the opportunity to do this from a community perspective including those who are home-school.  There are Youth Café members who are home-schooled.  Children who are home-schooled will be able to access the Youth Centre.

 

  1. Question: As a parent of two children at Lord Williams’s School, how will the Centre run as a Youth & Community Centre? How does the Youth Centre fit into the plans? The earlier proposals detailed that this was a Youth & Community Centre, however, the Centre is now referred to as a Community & Youth Centre.  How will this attract young people?  The space in a Community Centre for young people is not the same as a dedicated Youth Centre which the young people control.

A quarter of the population of Thame are teenagers, setting up a Youth Centre for 15+ age groups is right and needed.  I have previous experience as a Youth Worker, the space needs to be specific dedicated spaces, and activities relevant to lives and needs of people.  This needs to be delivered to meet specific needs for young people.  The earlier reiteration of the project details a consultation between young people; please clarify what this consultation involved.  I do not believe that the youth have been consulted.  A Youth Centre is desperately needed in Thame and needs to address the needs of children in Thame, the population in Thame has nearly doubled and there are a lot of teenagers with nothing to do.  We need to get this right.

Answer: The Community & Youth Centre will be open to everyone.  Thame Youth Projects serve youths of age 11 and above. All youths can use this building.  We must engage across the community, if we have a separate building, we are separating out the youth from the community, and we need to think about what has been observed in other Centre’s is that the youth need to mix with the community.  Agree regarding the growth of Thame, this is something that we as a town need to consider. 

 

  1. Question: Concerned that the final cost will escalate, please clarify funding and how this will be covered? There needs to be written advice regarding reclaiming VAT.  Will children be required to pay for the Youth Centre?  Will VAT be charged to business for hire?  

Answer: Thame Town Council have sought advice, which recommended setting up a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), which is underway.  Thame Town Council will then lease the building with a peppercorn rent to the ICO which will allow Thame Town Council to fully reclaim the VAT, this is how other councils have worked.  Regarding cost increasing, exact costs are not known until the tender process has been completed.  Working on QS advice regarding anticipated costs with inflation as we progress, we will receive written advice on VAT.  As the project progresses this will be communicated with residents of Thame, and all costs are signed off by Full Council.

 

Resident Statement: As a representative of the youth of Thame, I wish to respond to the comment regarding the youth of Thame not being consulted.  I have been consulted 4 times, 1 whilst an Explorer Scout, 1 whilst a student in Year 9 and recently at 2 events in the Town Hall with members of Lord Williams’s School Student Council.  At Student Council there are at least 3 members of each year groups in attendance, and feedback has been given to students at school who have an interest in the building, lots of positive feedback and information has been provided from those who have attended with Student Council.  Mr Dimbleby, Head Teacher provided an email to support the project, highlighting that this provides valuable infrastructure for the semi-rural town. School facilities for young carers and SEND students are overstretched, this would provide additional help and support after school, which would be beneficial to those who need additional support.  

 

  1. Question: Have children who are living in poverty been heard? Can anything further be undertaken to reach those children in need?

Answer: During the past 3 years every Year 7 student from Lord Williams’s School has been at the Town Hall during ACE week and we have focused on this project, with a captive audience, data has been gathered, 330 students consulted in ACE week for 3 years and the data retained.

 

Resident Statement: So, almost all students who are currently at Lower School, and in Year 10 have been consulted on this project and views have been accounted for.  The meetings at the Town Hall were with representatives from all year groups at all Student Council, this helps to reach students, and the Youth Worker works with a range of students who need this additional support.  

 

  1. Question: Thame Barns Centre is slightly concerned about the competition, we are already struggling to keep our rooms above 30% occupancy, the large room will attract big weddings/events. Will this be licensed?  Concerned about reassuring staff regarding retention of business.

Answer: Thame Town Council will work with other venues and will work with the Barns Centre.  Aspiration is to work together to benefit the whole town. We do not expect to license the building at this time.

 

  1. Question: Resident with young children commented that this is a fantastic idea, bringing the Youth Centre and Community Centre together is a great idea. Concerned that the large hall is unnecessary and not the best use of space, there are already the Barns Centre, Cricket Club, Rugby Club, Red Kite Family Centre at weekends.  It is worth considering the start-up methodology to review what needs to be solved from the community aspect, that will provide the answer to what the inside of the building needs to look like.  There should be SEND rooms, for example, there should be computing.  Have any concession contracts been considered? Noted that big events have been cancelled due to lack of volunteers, lots of people not volunteering, and worried about how the Centre would run without volunteers.  This is a great opportunity to get this space right for the community.

Answer: The building has been designed around a timber frame, with flexible partitions within for designing for future flexibility as well as current needs and use, there is room for adaptation moving forward.  The main space has been designed for a 200-capacity venue that Thame has wanted and is detailed in the Neighbourhood Plan but there is scope for change.  SEND should be considered, and we will review where we could adapt for that purpose.

 

  1. Question: Concerned with timing for deliveries after school into the evenings and how this will affect Scout HQ activities as we have a wide age range of users.

Answer: Thame Town Council have undertaken numerous conversations with Scout leaders regarding the project, this will form part of the tender, to keep Scout HQ open if possible and work around users.  This is a challenge which the appointed contractor will need to suggest solutions.

 

  1. Question: Will car parking be considered also?

Answer: Yes, the car park will be redeveloped, which will have challenges to consider by the contractor.

 

  1. Question: Scout HQ have siblings of participants to consider at drop off & pick up, with timings from 5.45pm, all users of the Scout HQ need to be safe. What lighting is being considered?  Lighting is needed for security.

Answer: The Construction Management Plan details times for deliveries, factoring in users of all buildings and a phased plan for construction to make sure that every part of project is considered providing parking, when one area of car park being built uses the other area.  Full lighting design which considers ecology to Cuttle Brook so lighting will be directional lighting.

 

  1. Question: Children need to be kept safe when leaving Scout HQ.

Answer: Yes, this is paramount to the project.  The Council have consulted with Thames Valley Police and a security consultant who have provided guidance fundamental to this project, and children’s safety.  By building where the secluded car park currently is, this brings activity closer to the road, it will look like very different site for the better and be safer once this has been built.

 

  1. Question: Please provide clarity and information regarding the consultation which was carried out? I believe that further discussion is needed for the safety of teenagers of Thame, and there needs to be meaningful conversation, feedback, ideas to consider for people to be empowered and provide feedback. 

Answer: First and second plans pre-covid Cllr Cowell visited year 6 in all the Thame schools, with teachers, met and discussed, detailed notes taken – this was meaningful conversations, we hoped that these children would be using the space.  We visited Guides, Scouts, Army and RAF groups to carry out the same consultation and the same survey.  Feedback from all surveys has been included in the proposals.  Pre-Covid we also spent time in Lower and Upper at Lord Williams’s School.  Thame Youth Projects talked to each year group at that time, it was a consultation.  We have information and feedback, we appreciate your thoughts and we will continue to speak to the community of Thame, and the youth of Thame, please do join the group, we need expertise and your experience would be valued.

 

  1. Question: I attended the presentation at the Guide Hut, this plan was focused on Youth and Community at that time, however, concerned about the aspect of commercialism, which was not part of original plan. Are you planning to use building for weddings, late at night for parties to fund this?  The commercial element and the 200-seater hall appear to be new. 

Answer: The reason for the 200-seater hall requirement is for community events, for example U3A meetings, the aim of the Centre is to run community events for free which is our aspiration, we don’t want to upset the neighbours the building is designed to be soundproof.

 

  1. Question: Can you assure residents that there won’t be noise disturbance late at night with the car parking and anti-social behaviour?

Answer: Submitted acoustic results which prove that the building is highly acoustic.  The design seeks to replace secluded areas associated with anti‑social behaviour by locating activity and parking within visible, well‑used spaces. Increased natural surveillance is expected to improve safety in the area.

 

Statement from a resident: A Trustee of Sharing Life and the Red Kite Family Centre spoke in support of the proposed Community & Youth Centre, welcoming it as a genuine opportunity to strengthen support for young people in Thame. Whilst concern has been expressed tonight, I understand that appropriate planning and governance will be in place as this is essential to ensure that youth and young people remain a priority, including the allocation of time and space within the Centre. 

 

Expressing thanks to the project team for their engagement with the Red Kite Family Centre to date. During school hours many young people are in full‑time education, and the combined Community & Youth Centre will allow for the building to be used effectively by the wider community during these periods.

 

The Trustee highlighted the potential benefits for families with children aged 0–4, particularly for stay‑and‑play sessions, the current Red Kite Family Centre is small, and unable to support all users, there is no parking provision at the RKFC site. We hope that the Community & Youth Centre will enable RKFC to expand support and improve accessibility for families.

 

  1. Question: Representative from Thame Children Choir and Senior Friendship Centre spoke. The Senior Friendship Centre hope to use the Centre for events and for our meetings. Please can you clarify disabled access, how close and easily users who are very infirm access the Centre?

Answer: Designed to be fully inclusive, all on one floor, accessible access for entering, drop off between Scout HQ & the Centre, access bollard can be lowered for accessibility, automatic entry door button and accessible toilets.

 

  1. Question: The 200-space hall would be great for Children’s concerts for choir events; will the acoustics suit?

Answer: A complete acoustic analysis in every space acoustic panels in the ceiling, for acoustic absorption, all has been fully considered.

 

  1. Question: What will happen if building costs rise? Will the project be stopped? The contingency fund is detailed as 10%.  What happens if there is no more money? 

Answer: The household contribution is capped at £35 per year for Band D properties and we take your comments on board.

 

  1. Question: Concerned about the annual budget of the council, the interest rate of 6% is high. What will happen if the building work starts and the money runs out; will this be sold to a property developer?

Answer: Once we are underway with the tender process we will, if necessary, have to value engineer the project, if the price comes out at higher prices that Thame Town Council are prepared to spend, fundamentally we will have to look at the site, internals and decide what goes forward. Our grand plans might need to be adjusted; the cap is set by the Council as what they are prepared to fund.

 

As part of the application to the Public Work Loan, the Council had to demonstrate how the loan would be funded against our precept, that has been considered as part of the loan. A Public Works Loan is a government loan.

 

  1. Question: The loan value is this a fixed amount? What would the council spend?

Answer: The fixed amount is how this impacts the community, we know we can borrow up to a maximum of £3,019,000.  When the initial figure is known, Full Council will assess and review funding.  The community will not be asked to pay any more money.

 

  1. Question: How much are Thame Town Council prepared to spend?

Answer: The status of the project value as designed is £4.5m.  The community surveyed in 2024; were advised that the maximum cap would be £35 on the Precept.  If Thame Town Council can’t build for £4.5m the Council will review the building and determine where to go.  The Thame Town Council element of the Precept will be £35 a year for Band D property.  Council Tax is calculated by SODC; higher bands/lower bands pay differently but budgets are calculated on Band D. 

 

  1. Question: Considering the higher council tax banding, what will this contribution be raised to?

Answer: This Precept 2026-27 the Thame Town Council element of the Council Tax for a Band D property was £228.80 per year, those with higher banding will pay a higher amount in council tax.

 

  1. Question: The building is currently expected to cost £4.5m. Funds received from Public Works Loan, Precept funds, is there an opportunity to apply for funding from Government grants and funding? If costs do go up, rather than changing specifications, can gaps be bridged through funding/grants from elsewhere?

Answer: There are also S106 funds calculated and some need to be spent on Southern Road Recreational Ground and community projects.  This is not a council project, this is a community project for the community of Thame for now and for the next 50 years, like the Town Hall which was a community project, and this Town needs the Community & Youth Centre, Thame will continue to grow, and it will need extra facilities.

 

  1. Question: Could this venue be used for Blood Donations? Currently, it is required to travel outside of Thame to donate blood as there are no facilities in Thame. Could the blood bank be facilitated in Thame at the Community Centre in the large room? This would be welcomed by the Blood Group and if the Centre could not charge £4.5k per day to hire the space, this would be a great community event.

Answer: Thank you for your comment.

 

  1. Question: Can a charity be set up?

Answer: Yes, we are looking at this, at establishing a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and are at the point of applying for this.

 

  1. Question: I have worked as a full-time Youth & Community worker, having worked in 4 dedicated Youth Centre, and schools, the school’s provision for young people are far less successful than a dedicated Youth Centre. Why was the name changed from Youth and Community Centre to Community and Youth Centre?  How will more Youth Workers be funded?  Will the revenue be raised to cover the repayment of the loan and the youth provision?  How will the youth provision be paid for?

Answer: The capital cost is to the Town Council, the Centre is a gift for the community, not being paid by revenue.

 

Responding to the Youth Worker funding, this is partly funded by the Council from the budget and the rest fundraised by Thame Youth Projects. Funding arrangements need to be reviewed in the next 1-2 years. Fundraising is challenging, volunteers are hard to find, and this will become more challenging, we need to discuss how to recruit volunteers and we believe that this will become a bigger problem, not just in Thame.  Youth will face more difficulties and need more support, which will be considered as demand increases.

 

  1. Question: I attended previous meetings and do understand the need for the Community Centre. Is there a way of raising funding needed to provide provision for young people. Has the emphasis shifted?  Where will the revenue from community groups go?

Answer: Any money that is earned by the Centre stays in the Centre, the aspirations are that it funds itself, a lot of Centre’s are very successful.  Funds won’t come to council, the council plans to support the management of the Centre with Finance, HR, and other central services to support the Centre.  The CIO will run this Centre as it sees fit to support the community. 

 

Fundraising is not easy.  The fundraising plan is seeking support from the lottery, various grants, opportunities with trusts and foundations.  There are more opportunities available through working as a collaboration of charitable organisations that exist who want to use the building, we can work together to submit collaborative bids.  The CIO which will be created will enable charitable opportunities to seek prospects, and fundraising opportunities, reviewing a long list of potential funds.  Revenue opportunities will be reviewed to work in the building, and to forecast for activities and projects.  Through collaboration with other organisations to pitch together for funding, we might be able to share cost of Youth Workers, community workers, undertake environmental projects together, to help to reach and be successful with more prospects, a lot of funds are Oxfordshire specific, or favour Oxfordshire / South East.  There are funds which can be approached.  An important part of the capital build will be fundraised.  We welcome any funding donations, any fundraising contacts, or ideas, offers of support or help in processes.  All offers to support the Community & Youth Centre, monetary donations, fundraising ideas and help would be gratefully received.

 

  1. Question: I work as a Youth Worker supporting youths in deprived areas of Oxfordshire. How are you planning to ensure those in poverty have access to the best things to better their lives, scope to access computers for training, with the increased youth population? Are you planning to be future proof? Not just for the here and now?

Answer: Our current situation needs help, there will be a provision of computers and support and featured in the original design, there will be access to the internet to produce CVs, there are safeguarding issues which need to be considered, providing support with CV writing will be possible when the Community & Youth Centre is build, this is not possible yet.  We have young people who need this support.  Identifying those who need this is challenging.  The building is flexible with rooms, areas to separate, to offer 1:1s and support.  Future proofing has been considered and as this is a flexible building, partitions can be moved to be flexible to expand / contract and support what the building can offer. 

 

  1. Question: Resident from Southern Road spoke, first consulted in 2024, concerned that the site has changed over time. Oxford County Council do not support youths in Thame, as there is no youth service, which will be a problem.  Concerned that costs will escalate, and there will be parking issues with the increased number of users and vehicle movements, without adequate parking.  This peaceful recreation ground, which is a nice quiet space, without organised sports activities will change during the building process, and once the Centre is built.  This is the second meeting in 18 months which we have attended, I believe that the community feels that Thame does not need a large 200-room community hall and this is not suitable for the Cuttle Brook area.  I am concerned that there will be problems with the building of the project due to finances, and work will stop.  I believe that the residents of Southern Road would rather have a Youth Centre than a Community Centre, and that the shared spaces will not work, they should be independent from one another and not in the same place.

Answer: When the consultation was carried out in Guide HQ, during the initial consultation period, there was an oversight where Thame Youth Projects did not contact all residents on Southern Road by letter; however, the consultation at the Guide HQ was in the public domain and all residents of Thame were welcome to attend.

 

Responding to highways and pavements issues, this is Oxfordshire County Council Highways.

The construction plans and parking have been discussed at length.  The Traffic Management Plan details obligations which the contractor agrees to meet which are approved by South Oxfordshire District Council as part of the planning process.

Thame Town Council will improve communications with residents on Southern Road from the Thai Restaurant to the corner to recreational ground and all will be kept informed with communications.

Concerning the building itself, the decision was made to make this a Community & Youth Centre, this was decided by the community, and this is what we have planning permission for and what we are going forward with.  If this changes due to finance, we will review and discuss it if necessary.  We will continue to engage with residents in the vicinity and the community.

Regarding Oxfordshire Youth Service, there is no Youth Service in Oxfordshire, which is why we must do what we are doing as there is no central resource.  There are two options, we do what we can do and grow.  We are in touch with an organisation Oxfordshire Youth and we will be reviewing and discussing strategy, to progress and how we find funding.  Oxfordshire Youth provide expertise and training for youth organisations in Oxfordshire and are partially funded by the Council.

 

We want teenagers and young people to grow up in a town which looks after them, this might not be perfect, we can either help to support through the provision and offering of the Community & Youth Centre, or not.  Oxfordshire doesn’t have the funds, the funding was taken away in government budget cuts, with youth service support cuts over the last 10-15 years.  We need to move forward.

 

Cllr Gilbert thanked residents for questions, we would like to continue to engage and use the expertise and experience in the room to make this the best possible facility it can be.  We live in straightened times; a lot of thought and planning has been spent to reach where we have got to now, there are bridges yet to cross. 

 

Please register for updates either using the QR code displayed at the back of the room or complete a paper form and use the post box.

 

The meeting concluded at 8.08pm

 

 

Signed ………………………………   Date ………………

Chair