www.caterhambarracks.org.uk
The buildings given to the community which have become the responsibility of the Caterham Barracks Community Trust constitute important elements of the heritage which has been bequeathed by the developer. The community has taken that responsibility seriously and looked at a wide variety of potential uses for the buildings in ways which complement existing provision. It has not been possible at this time to find a use for the Chapel which is sustainable and its long term future may depend on the Trust getting charitable status and being able to underwrite building maintenance costs. The other primary building on the site, the NAAFI, is intended to be used in a 'commercial' way with tenants who contribute to the social infrastructure. This use of the building gives the Trust the capacity to borrow and refurbish without recourse to lottery or other independent funding sources. The same applies to the building which was the Officers Mess and which will be sold to the Trust below its market value by the developer, to leave it affordable.
The only buildings remaining at this time, in need of lottery funding are the Gymnasiums. Their need for funding is driven by identified uses which cannot themselves generate the capital necessary to refurbish them from the present undeveloped state. The present application includes an element for townscape so that the context of the building will itself be attractive and will improve access.
The business plan and feasibility study suggest that longer term maintenance will depend on the success of the venue but audience development will be dictated by the quality of the facilities provided. Public expectations are high and this area receives no benefit from Government or local authority - so there are no funding sources which can supply the initial capital. The long term future for all the buildings and spaces will depend on
developing an endowment base of some magnitude
generating a volume of activity and interest which does not damage the community or heritage aspects of the site
integrating the commercial and the social in an effective working partnership
The Impact of the Project
This venture is seen as the cornerstone of the social regeneration of this area. It will dispel much of the cynicism which is associated with development, demonstrating that communities and developers can collaborate for the benefit of local people.
For military people all over the world it will be welcomed as a reflection of the value put upon a very particular kind of contribution which is different from the 'normal' memorial. It provides an opportunity to connect past occupants with the present. (The Gyms are currently being used for a Year of the Artist initiative connecting the past use of training for war with the present use as a skatepark in a digital artwork).
It will provide living testimony to the effects of reformers and cultural change. It will produce a building which has a current and contemporary use but is respectful of its past use.
It will produce a building which is used.
If this bid is successful the business plan will be worked up to a standard which will provide a degree of comfort for investing partners.
A project management team will be put together to make it happen
Formal agreements concerning the management and strategic planning including marketing and audience development for the venue will be drafted.
Plans for capital reinvestment and refurbishment will be incorporated in the business plan.
The Heritage value of the site will be explored, developed and where possible exploited to give additional income streams.
Landscaping of the associated 'square' will be carried out to enhance the potential of the building.
Traffic management plans will be constructed to deal with traffic movement.
©Copyright 2002, Caterham Barracks Community Trust. Updated October 2002
