The developers of Beaulieu, Countryside and L&Q officially handed over the keys to the newly built Beaulieu Community Centre on Monday 25th June to the Beaulieu Community Trust (BCT). Taking receipt of the keys on behalf of the Trust was Councillor Susan Sullivan, Chair of the Beaulieu Community Trust, and Reverend Daniel Pierce.
The Community Centre sits at the heart of the Beaulieu Square Neighbourhood Centre in Chelmsford and will be the responsibility of The Beaulieu Community Trust, a partnership between Springfield Parish Council, Beaulieu Churches and local residents. The BCT will be responsible for managing the Beaulieu Community Centre on behalf of Beaulieu and the wider Springfield community.
Cllr Sullivan has played a key role in the evolution of the Beaulieu Community Trust and comments:
“Today marks a key milestone at Beaulieu as we take ownership of this incredible facility. We have enjoyed an excellent working partnership with the developers, Countryside and L&Q to ensure the prompt delivery of this centre. Residents of the new community now have a ready-made local hub on the doorstep. They already enjoy local grocery shopping, eateries, a vet and dental care and very soon a new day nursery and education centre will also be open at Beaulieu Square. Just next door is The Beaulieu Park School which is due to open in September.”
“The Community Centre is able to host an array of activities and events which will help to bring the community further together. We have already had many expressions of interest from organisations that see opportunities to use the building. It is wonderful to see the results of so many years hard work by all partners and I am confident that the building will provide a perfect facility for all to enjoy."
Reverend Daniel Pierce who has recently joined the Beaulieu Community Trust, said:
“This is an exciting new venture, bringing together a partnership between the Parish Council and the Church. I am delighted to be a part of the team and I think this centre will provide a focus for the new community and the existing residents of Springfield. I want to encourage new friendships to blossom in all stages of life.”
The Beaulieu Community Centre is fully accessible to wheelchair users and is the first public building within the City of Chelmsford to include a certified Changing Places toilet and wet room with adjustable changing bench and hoist. There is also a lift to enable everyone to enjoy the facilities spanning this two-storey building. The Centre has a main hall capable of hosting indoor sports, a bar area, fully fitted kitchen and three function rooms all available for hire for events and activities such as parties, club meetings and business conferences.
Andrew Carrington, Managing Director of Strategic Land at Countryside, which is partnering with L&Q to deliver Beaulieu, comments: “Providing first-class community facilities and a central point for residents to come together is crucial to the long-term success of Beaulieu, and vital to ensure the new community can thrive. We are delighted to be able to hand over this fantastic community asset and look forward to welcoming residents to the centre in the next few months.”
The Centre is ideally located off White Hart Lane in Springfield, within Beaulieu Square and lies adjacent to the new school which is currently under construction, making it accessible to Springfield residents as well as the new residents living in Beaulieu.
Residents and the wider community will be able to get involved with a wide range of activities and initiatives at the Beaulieu Community Centre, which will also serve as a place of worship. Under the guidance of the Beaulieu Community Trust, the Centre will help to establish a real sense of belonging, allowing both new and existing residents to come together as a community.
To contact the Beaulieu Community Trust please email clerk@springfieldpc.org.uk
