Our final presentation was by former JTP Partner, Clare San Martin, who reflected on Cholsey Meadows, South Oxfordshire where Cholsey Community Development Trust (CDT), established in 2011, has successfully facilitated and fostered community life.
Historically, a close relationship existed between the village of Cholsey and the former Fairmile hospital that occupied the site prior to its acquisition by Homes England. Transformation of the site into a residential neighbourhood began with an extensive community engagement process led by JTP which involved 70% of Cholsey village residents in co-creating a vision for the new neighbourhood. The principle that the new neighbourhood, which was renamed Cholsey Meadows, should complement the existing village and not compete with or undermine the viability of its facilities was central to the vision. Sensitively repurposing the hospital’s heritage buildings and spaces, and creating a place that encouraged neighborliness and socialising were also important.
A total of 95 apartments were delivered in the converted buildings alongside 220 new homes arranged on short tree-lined streets and around greens. Although the main purpose of the regeneration was residentially focussed, a series of commercial and community buildings were planned in order to deliver the social, environmental and economic objectives set by Homes England.
The vision masterplan clustered mixed uses around repurposed heritage buildings to create three hubs, each with a different function: the Enterprise Hub, the Sports Leisure and Cultural Hub, and the Social Hub. These hubs were designed to draw people from the wider area into Cholsey Meadows and change the site’s character from an intentionally isolated mental hospital to an attractive welcoming local destination.
Clare explained that Cholsey Great Hall, the former hospital’s theatre, has been successfully managed by Cholsey CDT for over 10 years and runs a year-long programme of events including theatre, cinema, comedy, music and large dinner events. Income from these events cross-subsidises the Hall’s use by local community groups for weekly activities including pilates, martial art, yoga, table tennis club, choir practice and more. Large outdoor community gatherings are also held on the cricket pitch with events like Bonfire Night, May Day and an annual ‘Party on the Pitch’, attracting hundreds of people from Cholsey and the surrounding area. The Ox Shed, a privately run café/bakery with a family room and co-working space also draws people in and encourages social interaction.
Given the surrounding parkland is a Grade II Registered Park and Garden, Clare pointed out that Cholsey Meadows has an unusually generous and varied network of green open space, including the cricket pitch, historic gardens, water meadows, allotments, play areas and shared gardens in the hospital airing grounds conserved to protect the heritage setting. One resident explained he was drawn to Cholsey Meadows by the mature gardens and mix of old and modern buildings which give the place a ‘campus character’ reminiscent of his university. This contributes to the creation of a distinct sense of identity and character.
Along with the successes at Cholsey Meadow, there have been challenges. The Chapel still currently sits vacant after the original plan to convert it for use by Fairmile Sports and Social Club did not materialise. A viable use has not been found and the Chapel, which is still owned by Homes England creates a blight on the area immediately around it. The proximity of the Great Hall to the converted apartments – and a rather eventful inaugural wedding event – led to restrictions in its use for events such as weddings and music events. This reduced the revenue initially expected from this space and the number of paid staff Cholsey CDT can sustain which in turn has placed a great strain on the volunteers.
Even with these challenges, Cholsey Meadows has become a successful and healthy community. Within Cholsey, there are over 60 different social and sporting clubs making active use of the community venues and buildings. This is clear evidence of a thriving community life and of successful integration between the main village and Cholsey Meadows. Cholsey Meadows has clearly developed into a great place to live with multiple opportunities for socialising indoors and out.