Have your say on the future use of Houghton Regis Community Centre
Consultation closed: Wednesday 8 December 2021
Consultation opened: Wednesday 13 October 2021
Bedford Square Community Centre in Houghton Regis is currently being used to house an education provision for young people with special educational needs in the daytime on weekdays, and by community groups during evenings, weekends and school holidays.
This is a temporary arrangement that was put into place urgently after a post-16 education provider went into administration over the summer, leaving vulnerable young people without a place to learn. Many of the previous community centre users are continuing to use it in the evenings or weekends.
We want to hear your feedback on our proposal to make this a longer-term arrangement.
View or download our consultation document (PDF) to read our outline proposals, along with details of the current and previous use of the centre.
We have to balance the sometimes-competing needs of different communities and vulnerable groups. We know that providing continuity and consistency to vulnerable young people is hugely important and so is having access to community space for local residents to use.
Our analysis shows there are a number of other facilities available near the community centre, that are also available for hire. We believe there is sufficient community space locally, which will allow us to accommodate the education provision in the centre and meet the needs of the community for community space.
What happens next?
The feedback and options will be collated and a further report, setting out the consultation feedback and recommendations, will be reviewed by our Executive in February 2022.