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| © 2004 - 2010 The Chiswick Horticultural Society |
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The New Centre
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| Background In June 2003, the Society received planning permission from Hounslow Council for a new building, designed by Robert L Adams Architects. The Society had been raising funds from its members by various activities in order to demolish the existing buildings and build a new centre. However, it was unable to raise the additional funding required to undertake the ambitious project originally envisaged. The generous contributions made by many members at the time were retained in a specific new building bank account and have been added to over the intervening period with income generated by various Society fund-raising activities and more contributions from individual members. Change of Plan Because of the Society’s financial limitations, the constraints of the lease offered by Hounslow Council and the shortage of physical and human resources to undertake the original development, the CHS Trustees decided not to continue with the original building plans and instead put in a planning application for a number of corrugated steel containers which were combined to provide the main centre, with doors and secured windows cut into them. They have been internally lined and fully insulated, with a vinyl floor. They provide a trading area and a separate meeting / conference area which can be used for more educational and social activities. A composting toilet and small kitchenette have been included. This has been located on the same area as the old show huts and garage, which have been demolished. Other containers have been purchased to provide the necessary storage area as well as retaining the old Trading Hut for additional storage. The containers have been painted dark green and will be planted with climbing foliage where possible. The greenhouse, cold frames and shed have been relocated. On 20 December 2009 the new Trading Centre was opened officially by Hounslow Mayor, Councillor Paul Lynch. New Centre The building
will be a great community asset and focal point for the society, enabling
us to hold educational talks, social events and small horticultural
shows at the Centre. Members will have somewhere to meet, talk and
seek advice, and the Society will be able to develop A plan of the proposed buildings is shown here. An elevation of the proposed buildings is shown here. Fundraising The Society has raised about two-thirds of the funding required to complete the project and is now in the process of applying to several potential sources of grants. We would welcome anyone with expertise in fund-raising and any suggestions of where additional funding could be obtained. All ideas will be gratefully received! Please
e-mail newcentre@chsw4.org |
