Exciting plans progress for Thatcham's new Community Hub

Plans for a brand-new Community Hub in Thatcham are taking shape, with work now underway to explore what the space could look like and how it will serve the town's growing population.

Driven by Thatcham Town Council, and supported by West Berkshire Council, the hub was first identified and requested by residents in the 2023 Thatcham Town Centre Strategy study. The vision is to transform the Brownsfield Road and Memorial Fields area into a vibrant community destination for everyone.

The hub is envisioned to include:

• Facilities for sport, play, and wellbeing - promoting active lifestyles and community health
• Cultural and creative spaces - supporting arts, events, and local expression
• Flexible workspaces - enabling collaboration, entrepreneurship, and remote working
• Enabling housing - contributing to inclusive and sustainable development
• Food, beverage, and leisure amenities - creating vibrant social spaces for all ages
• Enhanced connection to the town centre - improving access across Bath Road

Thanks to UK Shared Prosperity Fund support, specialist consultants Adams and Sutherland have carried out a feasibility study and developed potential options. These will now be reviewed, with residents set to help shape the final design towards the end of 2025.

Councillor Justin Pemberton, Executive Member for Economic Development and Regeneration at West Berkshire Council and Councillor for Thatcham Town Council, said:

"The Community Hub will be a celebration of all that Thatcham has to offer - building on existing facilities while unlocking new opportunities for residents and visitors alike."

"Once completed, this newly designed space will bring together culture, history, health, and sustainability in one place. Our goal is to create a hub that supports everyday life, from sport and wellbeing to civic, residential, and leisure needs, while shaping a more ambitious and inclusive future for the town. Far more than just an improved landmark, this will be a sustainable community space for everyone to enjoy."

Following agreement on a preferred option by March 2026, the next phase will focus on securing funding to bring the project to life. The project will be rolled out step by step over the coming years, growing alongside Thatcham's future development.

For now, the message is simple: watch this space and get ready to have your say later in 2025.