Creating a safe space for our Armed Forces and veteran community
We are really pleased to announce that Phoenix Heroes’ planning application reference 232288 to build a veteran community hub, office, garden and allotment area has been approved. This is a fantastic opportunity to establish our veteran community allotment alongside the brand new Lakeland`s Community Centre in Colchester.
Over the last twelve months we have been working hard on the design, costings and the planning application and now really looking forward to starting the build project, examples of the look can be seen below. We have many skilled trades people within our own veteran community that will be involved with the build coupled with our DIY SOS approach we will be looking for support from local businesses to get involved.
We have appointed Genesis Group Construction Ltd to manage the project build and chosen the oak structured community hub and office from Oak Structures Ltd, it is going to look amazing. Coupled with the above Luke Millard at BGR Designs has kindly offered to design our garden area, Luke has been featured as the head gardener on recent BBC DIY SOS projects and his work is just quality. Assured Services Ltd have kindly offered their support to provide the heras fencing when we are ready to build our construction access plan.
Services
This will be the first build of it`s type and will enhance the current services that we deliver, it will provide a safe space for serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families to visit us for a brew, get involved in our gardening and allotment projects and have access to other support services if needed. We will also be able to interact with other veteran organisations and local community groups, there are so many benefits of having a build of this type within Colchester Garrison.
Help needed
Over the next few weeks we will be raising the awareness of what we are doing and asking businesses to get involved and help us, that could be through donations of material, financial contribution or skilled trade help, every Company that helps will have their own logo displayed within our BBQ area. If you are in a position to help then please contact us for more information about our sponsorship options.
Gary Stockton, CEO, said:
“This is a huge milestone for us as we approach going into our seventh year, it is a game changer and will allow us to help more people year on year. Having our very own place in the heart of one of the largest military Garrisons is amazing. None of this would have been possible without the help of businesses, fundraisers, grant makers, donations and our amazing community, we would like to thank everyone for their outstanding support to us and it is important to recognise that you have all played an important part over the years, thank you so much!”
