Bearpark Community Centre could be demolished

Bearpark Community Centre closed in 2021 on health and safety grounds following concerns over the building’s condition and potential cost of repairs. 

Durham County Council has now proposed demolishing the building and creating an open space or to build a new centre on the site at Aulton Stile. A replacement facility would need to continue to provide recreational activity, either by creating an outdoor 'space' or developing a replacement 'place', said the local authority. 

The site, owned by coal mining charity CISWO, was originally established to provide recreational and social space for the mining community. Groups which previously used the building have since been relocated. 

Bearpark Community Centre closed in 2021 on health and safety grounds following concerns over the building’s condition and potential cost of repairs. (Image: The Northern Echo)

Council officials have vowed to work with residents and local stakeholders and said “every effort will be made to secure resources towards the cost of the following options”.

A statement from the council read: “Unfortunately, the building had to be closed in 2021 on health and safety grounds, and inspections showed that due to the original construction method, the cost of its repair and of meeting current-day standards for public buildings, it would not be a good way to spend the public's money. 

“At that time, we worked with the community groups using the building to help them find a new home so their activities could continue to serve residents. Those groups are now settled and happy in their new homes. 

“We are working in partnership with CISWO to find a solution for the site. We are thinking about how the site could be used for alternative recreational activities for the benefit of the community. 

“The village has been going through a transformation from a former mining village to a place that has attracted new developments, housing, and families, which may have different needs. We need to better understand your needs so that whatever replaces the community centre, becomes an exciting, well-used and cared-for facility which adds to the local pride in the village.”

Option A: create a recreational space 

The existing building would be demolished, and open space would be created that could link to the park at the rear to create a larger area to cater for a range of community activities, such as: 

• a community garden for growing food 
• enhanced play area with accessible play equipment 
• a sensory garden 
• a quiet, calm space for reflection 
• a gathering space for local events such as Summer or Christmas fayres and commemorations
• a market space

Option B: build a new community centre 

Work in partnership with CISWO to demolish the existing building and build a new, smaller centre. 

This would be a flexible space for different uses, and it would be energy efficient and meet current building standards. 

More time would be needed for this option. 

Work with a dedicated group in the community to attract large amounts of community funding, and who would need to take responsibility for running the building, its maintenance and attracting building users to cover the running costs.

The council added: “We would like to know what type of facility, building, open space or play provision, you would prefer that would best serve the community now and in the future. 

“We want to know if you or a local community group you are involved with would be willing to work with us on this project and take responsibility for developing it for the future. 

“We would work with you to help you to understand your role, seek training and support and help to identify funding opportunities.”

Click here to have your say on the plans. The closing date for comments is 5pm on Sunday, November 17.