Thame Town Council has confirmed approval of a Public Works Loan (PWLB) for just over £3 million to part-fund a new Community & Youth Centre at Southern Road Recreation Ground. The decision moves the £4.4 million scheme (now publicly branded Project Link) to the tender stage for a main contractor, with the aim of starting on site later this year (subject to procurement and conditions).
The centre is designed as a vibrant, inter-generational hub for Thame and nearby villages. The council says the vision and designs have been co-produced with young people, community groups and residents over several years.
What the new centre will include (current design)
- A flexible, 200-capacity community hall for events, lectures, conferences, health & wellbeing, fitness and arts
- Dedicated youth club space and a music room
- Kitchen plus small group rooms and 1-to-1 consultation spaces
- A larger entrance to the Scout HQ
- Landscaped outdoor areas with a rejuvenated play area, seating, public toilets (including accessible & baby-change) and an income-generating kiosk
- More car parking with EV chargers and bike racks
- On-site interpretation to support learning about Cuttlebrook Nature Reserve
- A self-sustaining operating model via anchor tenants, regular hires and grants
The council says the centre aims to reduce anti-social behaviour, improve emotional and physical wellbeing, and build skills for work and life, especially for residents facing the greatest challenges.
Why Thame says it needs the centre
- Growing youth and older populations, with amenities not keeping pace
- Thame remains one of the few Oxfordshire towns without a dedicated community centre or tailored youth facility
- More than a decade of resident feedback calling for a community hub
Funding and next steps
- Total project cost: £4.4m
- Secured to date: PWLB loan £3m+, council funding and developer contributions
- To be raised: £1.4m via grants and donations
How to help: Individuals, organisations and businesses willing to support financially or practically (ideas, connections, fundraising time) are invited to contact info@thametowncouncil.gov.uk or visit the project page (below).
Programme timeline: subject to procurement and consents, the council’s aim is to begin works later in 2026.
Public support and consultation history
A public consultation in December 2024 found 82.6% of respondents with OX9 postcodes supported the council progressing the project with a Band D precept increase of up to £35/year to meet loan repayments.
The scheme has been shaped by multiple consultations since 2015, including the Thame Community Master Plan (2017), youth & resident surveys (2021), an Acanthus Clews feasibility (2021), an organisations survey (2024) and co-design workshops with schools and Thame Youth Projects (2023–2025).
Planning application: P23/S0644/FUL (2023).
Further detail, including the Evidence Needs Assessment, is available below.
Project Link: where to find updates
Project information will appear in the Town Guide, on posters in community venues, on social media, and on display boards at Southern Road. A dedicated webpage is updated regularly with documents and timelines:
Project page & updates: thametowncouncil.gov.uk/communityandyouthcentre
Planning: P23/S0644/FUL
At a glance
- Site: Southern Road Recreation Ground, Thame
- Working name: Project Link
- Loan approved: PWLB £3m+
- Funding mix: PWLB + council budgets + developer funds + £1.4m grants/donations target
- Facilities: 200-capacity hall; youth club & music room; kitchen; small rooms; improved play area, toilets & kiosk; EV charging & bike racks
- Public mandate: 82.6% (OX9) backed the loan-linked precept (Dec 2024)
- Planning: P23/S0644/FUL
- Next step: Contractor tender; aim to start on site later in 2026
Main Image: Artistic impression of the Community & Youth Centre. Credit: Clews Architects.
