News from FSEG

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Ferryside Social Enterprise Group (FSEG)

On April 8th the officers reported on positive and encouraging meetings with Hywel Dda health trust and the local medical practise at the education centre. In principle the health trust would support the establishment of  a “Wellbeing Hub” at  Ferryside to service the local area. Support was also obtained from the local medical practise who emphasised that in terms  of any future development they would not wish to move from their current venue.

The chair introduced Tom Gripper of Broadside Films who enthusiastically expressed a wish to develop a base for filming and photography at the education centre. The group would like to develop a studio for film production using modern equipment and Green Screen facilities in addition to white screen facilities for photography. They would also need some space for props and equipment. It is envisaged that the group would number up to 5 people and would help link the venture with local education establishments such as the Graig and appropriate professionals. The committee encouraged Mr Gripper to press ahead, initially via the County Council, but to advise FSEG of the floor space it would like to use.

Secretary, Cllr Les Jones, presented a detailed requirements analysis for the proposed new community centre based on the 2010 public consultation. This clearly spelt out the preferences of the community, ranging from 70% support for a Medical Centre to 31 % support for a Youth hostel. The main uses proposed were as follows:

Medical Centre, School Facilities, Village Hall, Youth Areas, Training Centre, Social Enterprise, Small Business Starters, Sports Pavilion, Arts/Craft, Youth Hostel, Workshop and swap shops, Allotments, Wellbeing, Broadside Films, RSPB, Farmers Market, and OAP Clubs. The secretary invited comments on the document to be submitted by email after the meeting.

The secretary then outlined potential development options for the education centre:

  1. Demolish all current buildings and erect brand new facilities up to the permitted current floor space.
  2. Demolish everything except the current Medical Centre and add new build.

  1. Keep the current residential build and add an appropriate all purpose Hall.

  1. Keep the wooden huts in the new development.

It was suggested that in respect of option 1, the Medical Centre could initially be retained but transferred into the new build when that was complete. Members surmised that a cost benefit analysis would be required before proceeding and that a sustainable project should be based on a sound business case. The chair indicated that a decision would be made following the receipt of demolition costs at the next meeting. 

                Delme Bowen

FSEG March 4th meeting

FSEG Meeting March 4th

Following positive advice from County council officers, a broad consensus emerged in favour of demolishing the current buildings on the education centre site before proceeding with redevelopment to fit the objectives of the group. Quotes are currently being sought from Gwendraeth Recycling and other contractors on demolition costs. The current medical centre will be consulted on how best to accommodate this option with minimum disruption to their business.

It was agreed to send the chair and/or secretary to an upcoming seminar on social enterprises to be run by the County council. Meanwhile, committee members will attend site visit shortly at a number of other local Social Enterprise projects.

Priorities for the new build will be further discussed and decided upon in a future meeting, but broadly the establishment of a central Hall ( suitable for sports, community and school use) a new medical centre and small residential hostel were favoured.

On the sports side, basketball, badminton and indoor bowls, plus a small gym were considered desirable along with facilitating the use of the current open air sports facilities for five aside football etc.

On the medical and well being side, the potential for developing respite care and chiropody will be explored with the medical centre.

Being close to the costal path the centre was thought to be well placed for walkers, bird watchers and cyclists.

It was felt that the centre should have a large and extensive car park for potential users. Next meeting is on Monday April 8th, 7pm in the White Lion.

Ferryside Social Enterprise Group

At its  recent meeting, the  Ferryside Social Enterprise Group emphasized the importance of developing a core business or businesses at the education centre to ensure a sustainable revenue income. The refurbishment and hire of the residential buildings, including catering facilities, would be central to such a business.

          As a first step the group are to investigate  fast track sources of funding such as the national lottery people and places fund, to cover the capital costs of the project. Following initial contact with the medical centre, it is intended that talks also begin on the establishment a  community well being facility which might be able to offer respite care .
          The sports group was asked to investigate any local demand for the current hall at the site and to liaise with the boxing club and County council in this respect. Members were also keen to investigate potential future uses for the huts and inquiries in respect of potential arts and crafts were encouraged. Note was made that the RSPB might also be interested in establishing a display area describing local birds.
           Officers of the group are scheduled to meet with officers of the County Council and the local member to discuss progress on these issues.
 Delme

FSEG

The Ferryside Social Enterprise Group will meet at 7pm in the White Lion on Wednesday February 6th.

Site meeting at Education Centre

The Ferryside Social Enterprise Group will meet at the Education Centre at 9am Saturday January 26th to investigate the full potential of the site.

Delme