Whitton Community Centre: frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about the reprovision of Whitton Community Centre.

Is the centre still open?

The centre remains very much open. There has never been a greater variety of activities than now. Contact enquiries@whittoncommunitycentre.org for details.

What is the current timeline for the works?

We are working with the Whitton Community Association (WCA) and other local representatives to develop the design and feasibility of the scheme, with a planning consent target set for early 2026. The WCA will continue to welcome bookings throughout 2026 and 2027.

How will the new community centre design be inclusive for all?

The new centre will be designed with accessibility in mind to accommodate the evolving needs of the community, including adaptations so that currently excluded groups can benefit from activities.

We are committed to engaging with residents and others in the community throughout the project's development to ensure it meets everyone's needs.

Our occupational health team are involved in the design of the housing and will be providing input on the development more widely.

How can I make an input to the design?

We welcome all views on the design of the new centre. 

The earlier that you give us any input makes it easier for us to input into the design discussions taking place between the association, users, architects and the Council.

We will be holding a consultation event at the centre in September (dates to be confirmed) ahead of the planning submission. This event will provide an opportunity to meet the design team and share your views on the proposed design. Your feedback is valuable and will be considered as we move forward with the project.

Centre users and the community will also be consulted on the planning application that comes forward in late 2025.

What kind of housing will be built above the new community centre?

The development will include 100% social rent homes. The homes will all be genuinely affordable and rented at below market rents to support local people in registered housing need.

Who are 'people in registered housing need'?

There are a number of criteria which need to be met in order to be able to apply for social housing. Due to the shortage of available properties and the high numbers of people on the waiting list, it is unlikely that we will be able to offer a home to the majority of applicants.

To ensure fairness, all applications are assessed in line with the criteria set out in our Housing Allocations Scheme.

Generally, we receive around 350 to 400 properties a year for nominations via our Registered Provider (housing association) partners. 

See how applications are assessed.

Offers of accommodation are made to high/urgent priority cases. The households typically rehoused are:

• Homeless families in temporary accommodation
• Older persons requiring sheltered accommodation
• Social housing tenants wanting to downsize and move to a smaller home
• Referrals from other Council departments for people moving to settled accommodation from a supported environment

What does 'below market rents' mean?

Below market rent is a property rented for less than its typical market value. The homes at Whitton will be rented at Social Rent. This means housing owned by Registered Providers (housing associations) for which guideline target rents are determined through the national rent regime, known as the Rent Standard. 

What will the parking arrangements be in the new centre?

The aim is for the scheme to retain the current volume of parking spaces. The centre is accessible to the local community on foot and is well served by public transport.

Will current community centre users be affected during construction?

We are working closely with Whitton Community Association and other stakeholders to ensure continuity of services during construction. Alternative accommodation will be made available so that local groups and activities can continue with any disruption kept to a minimum.