Springfield Rag Room – Community Space

Maidstone Borough Council have approved a revised legal agreement for a developer contribution of £55,000 to be put towards the new St. Faiths Community Centre instead of providing community space within the Rag Room at Redrow’s The Mill at Springfield development.

St Faiths Local Community Group had hoped that the Rag Room would be suitable for their use but it became clear that converting the Grade II Listed Building could only offer compromised space and a contribution to support their new purpose built facility was the preferred option. As a result, the new owners of Springfield Rag Room and Redrow were able to reach an agreeable solution which helps support the viability of the new St. Faiths centre.

Following the Approved variation to the Section 106 Agreement, the room reserved for the community space has now be repurposed for additional office space where Profile Construction Consultants have taken occupation, bringing the employment 15 people to the Maidstone Borough.

Rev. Canon Arthur Houston – Chair of the Ringlestone Community Centre Development Group and Priest in Charge at St. Faiths Community Centre commented, “we are very pleased that this practical solution has been agreed. St. Faiths Centre is a community resource for both Ringlestone and Springfield communities. The centre is now open and we welcome any residents to come and see all that is available to the community. The extra grant fund is a huge help to us as we complete the project and make it fully functioning and available to all, thank you.”

Jonathan Rogers of Harrisons Chartered Surveyors, speaking as managing agents for the Springfield Rag Room, said “we hope the contribution can help support the new St. Faiths Community Centre to ensure its continued viability following increased buildings costs. It seems the sensible option rather than the community group diverting funds to operate a second facility which, due to various technical challenges, provided much less suitable space.”

Click Here to visit St. Faith’s Centre Website