Proposal for a ʻmulti-functional openstructureʼ in the Iron Acton Parish Meadows
Current Full proposal.
Outline proposal
Overview
Our vision is to construct a permanent covered facility of approximately 12 meters square in the Parish Meadows. The structure will be ʻlow-keyʼ, being constructed in keeping with the surrounding environment and sensitive to the needs of being within a conservation area. It is proposed the structure will have a fixed roof and floor surface but with removable sides that can be added easily and flexibly as and when required.
Usage
The structure will have a large number of potential uses that will reach a wide cross-section of the Parish community from pre-school children to adults.
For example,
• General shelter for individual users
• Staging area for Acton Aidʼs annual Summer Proms (or alternative productions)
• Outside play and learning area for the Parish primary schools (an agenda strongly supported
locally and Nationally by the Department of Children, Schools and Families)
• Performance area for acting workshops / productions by Actonianʼs Drama Group and other groups such as the schools
• Food serving area for the Bonfire Night party
• Area for occasional Sunday morning family church services
• Play and picnic area for Toddler Group
Funding
Acton Aid are prepared to fund this proposal for the parishioners of Iron Acton in its entirety. No cost will need to be borne by any other organisation. Every year Acton Aid purchases temporary marquee structures at considerable cost to run events such as the Summer Proms. We believe that a permanent structure in the meadows will allow us to operate these activities far more cost-effectively and as such, the savings made can:
• Part-fund the build, and
• Directly or indirectly be used to make future events even more accessible to the community
Ownership
Acton Aid recognises that the Parish Meadows are owned by the Parish Council and as such suggest that ownership of the structure would also reside with the Council. Some form of covenant could be created that specifies the ʻopen and freeʼ use of the structure by the Parish population.
Situation
The suggested location is in the North Western corner of the Parish Meadow. This is illustrated in the following arial photograph where the red line denotes the front elevation of the of the proposed structure.
Design & materials
Our intension would be to consult with interested parties to achieve the most appropriate design and use of materials. The following factors would need to be considered:
• Lifespan
• Strength and durability
• A low maintenance level
• Vandal resistance
• The surrounding environment
• Visual appearance
Conclusion
Acton Aid is prepared to fully fund the building of a ʻmulti-functional open structureʼ in the Parish Meadows. We, and other organisations strongly believe that such a facility will bring significant benefits, social cohesion and enjoyment to numerous community groups and the Parish community as a whole. We are committed to engaging and working in Partnership with interested parties throughout the project and believe that this in itself will positively re-enforce the strong community sprint in our Parish and ownership of the resultant structure. We are asking the Parish Council to support the project and wish to move forward as soon as possible.