13/06/08
Townsend battle plan
PLANS to turn Townsend Primary and Nursery School into an extended community centre will be discussed at a public consultation tomorrow.
In the wake of a controversial decision to close the school, Townsend Community Association have teamed up with ward councillors to propose using the existing buildings and grounds as a centre of excellence for sport, art and education.
The proposal, entitled Spartans (School for Performing Arts and Sports), relies on £80,000 of council funding over three years – less than is currently provided for Fernheath Play Association and Kinson Community Centre.
Conservative Cllr Michael Weinhonig, who was against the closure passed by his party, said: “It is vital to engage with as many of the community and stakeholders to ensure aspirations are met.
“The school is the heart of the community. Extended services and community support rely on the school buildings and the people who volunteer and are paid to provide them, you can’t build a city without walls.”
Townsend Community Association believe the Spartans project will “unleash the talent in the community,” and want the centre open on September 1.
The consultation will take place at Jewell Road community centre at 2pm tomorrow.