Good news: Welsh Harp Environmental Centre re-opens

The Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre has been closed over the Autumn and early Winter. Brent Council has released the following announcement   See LINK for earlier coverage of the campaign to keep the Centre open. I understand there will be a £6 per head charge for class visits.

The Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre has reopened thanks to a lease arrangement between Brent Council and environmental charity Thames21 under the council's 'Community Asset Transfer' policy.

The Community Asset Transfer policy was introduced by the council last year and allows for the transfer of council buildings to community groups that can help the council achieve its vision for the borough, at a time when the council has to make budget savings.

Thames 21 is an experienced environmental education organisation with a track record of delivering effective, community volunteering, engagement and educational events and activities to local communities promoting environmental awareness.

The centre, on Birchen Grove in Kingsbury, provides an area rich in bio-diversity for Brent primary school children to learn why it is important to look after all aspects of our environment.

Cllr Eleanor Southwood, Brent Council's Cabinet Member for Environment, said:

We introduced our Community Asset Transfer policy last year to allow council property to be transferred to community groups that can help us deliver services that Brent residents and the community value, at a time when local funding from central government is being drastically cut.

This particular transfer is the very first in Brent and means that the centre can continue as a valuable educational resource for local schools and children.

The Welsh Harp Centre will be having an official reopening in the summer when all residents can tour the facilities.

Debbie Leach, Chief Executive of Thames 21 said:

We'll be announcing details of the reopening in the coming weeks, so I'd encourage anyone who hasn't been before to drop us a line and come and see it for themselves. It is a fantastic place to discover as it shows us that the natural world is very much alive and happening here in Brent and that we all have a crucial role to play in its future.

Welsh Harp Centre to continue education function but may have other recreational uses

Readers may recall that I asked Brent Council for more information about the decision to lease out the Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre.

I received the message below today:

In response to your recent enquiry, let me first of all apologise for the delay in coming back to you.

Further to this, can I say that the primary purpose of the proposed lease is to maintain the use of the Centre and to not let an asset fall into neglect. The Council would expect any future use of the asset to be compatible with its setting within the Welsh Harp. 

Carrying on from this, please review the responses below to the individual questions raised by you and I hope these details clarify the position. 

I refer to the advertisement in the Brent and Kilburn Times Ref: JXH/609/121

I would be grateful if you could send me a copy of the Drawing referred to in the notice see below

plus a response to the following questions: 

  1. How long is it envisaged that the lease to land and premises, including the office in Planet House will last?– The proposed lease period is for 10 years . 

2. Is it envisaged that the use of the land and premises will remain for educational purposes? – This is correct but there may also be other recreational related uses .

3. Is the land in question consecrated land subject to any change of use being agreed by the Diocesan of London? (see – We are reviewing the position and will revert to you on this point . http://wembleymatters.blogspot.co.uk/2009/11/could-this- let-welsh-harp-rest-in-peace.html ) 

4. Is it intended that the building and land be leased to one of the following (or a combination): Carey's charity arm, Oakington Manor School, Roe Green Junior School? – The property would be marketed by way of a tender process and the outcome is dependant on the responses received .