Ludgershall Pre-School Playgroup was given full planning permission for a new Pre-School facility in the grounds of Castle Primary School on 7th August 2008, with a minor amendment granted on 7th February 2009 Kennet District Council provided funds for £300,000.00 subsequently transferred to Wiltshire Council, and an original grant of £26,000.00 was offered by Wiltshire Council.

A Funding Application pack was sent to Wiltshire Council detailing a short fall to construct the project and the sum was raised to £40,000.00 Following negotiations with Castleway Construction of Salisbury a revised contract sum of £393,173.71 was negotiated, the shortfall of £53,173.71 between the allotted grant money and the contract sum has been covered by Ludgershall Pre-School Playgroup.

A contract between Wiltshire Council and Ludgershall Pre-School Playgroup for a Sure Start, Early Years and Childcare Capital Grant Agreement has been signed securing the agreed financial capital support for the project (Grant) in the sum of £340,000.00. We secured a benefit for Zero-Rate of VAT on the scheme from HM Revenue & Customs on 24th April 2009 by demonstrating commonality with two successful tribunal cases.

A limited letter of intent was given to Castleway Construction to proceed with the design and apply for Building Regulations. A 40 year lease has been drawn up, agreed and signed between the Chair of Governors of Castle Primary School and the three Custodial Trustees of Ludgershall Pre-School Playgroup. With the funding in place and all contracts and lease signed we have instructed our Employers Agent to produce the Contract Documents for signature, and agreed a site area with the school for set up and occupation during the school holidays, this was done on 26th August 2009.

Castleway Construction will commence with demolitions and site clearance on Monday 14th September 2009 with a 30 working week programme that should see completion the week after Easter 2010. In short, after many months ( the original planning application was made on 25th March 2008 ) of highs and lows Ludgershall will benefit from a three class room purpose built pre-school facility designed to eventually cater for 64 children. It is planned to hold a ‘turf cutting’ ceremony towards the end of September (date to be organised).

17th September 2009