Greenham Common Trust looks to develop new Mencap Centre for "Link-Up"

Greenham Common Trust is in advanced discussions with West Berkshire Mencap regarding the possible development of a £1 million facility at New Greenham Park for the charity's "Link-Up" project, replacing its existing premises on the business park.

Link-Up has been based at New Greenham Park since 1995 and aims to develop the working skills of around 50 adults with disabilities. The proposed facility would provide a modern, sheltered work skills unit in a commercial environment, enabling the charity to further develop the proficiency and potential of up to 100 trainees. If the project proceeds, a purpose built building of 15,000 sq ft would be developed in line with the recently published masterplan for the business park.

Subject to reaching agreement with West Berkshire Mencap, Greenham Common Trust will fund the scheme through income generated by the transformation and management of New Greenham Park.

Stuart Tagg, chief executive of Greenham Common Trust, says: “Link-Up provides a wonderful opportunity for adults with disabilities to develop valuable skills, often enabling them to find permanent employment in the work place. A new centre would allow an expansion of this valuable service.”

He continues: “This would be the first social project of this scale funded by the Trust and as the transformation of New Greenham Park continues we will be in a position to fund other local, social projects of a similar scale in North Hampshire and West Berkshire, in addition to our annual charitable awards. We look forward to receiving ideas and suggestions for such schemes from the wider community.”

Nick Bartholomew of Link-Up says: “A new facility would provide us with a tremendous boost, enabling Link-Up to provide a broad range of relevant and useful working skills for our trainees.”

For more information about the Trust contact Andrew Barber on 01635 817444 or email andrew@greenham-common-trust.co.uk. For more information about Link Up contact Nick Bartholomew on 01635 552022.