The British Red Cross Centre, Barton Way

Update (published 25/10/24)

Joint statement

Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst, the Leader of Three Rivers District Council, has been working closely with representatives of Croxley Green Parish Council to seek agreement on a revised building proposal for the former Red Cross building in Barton Way.

Both the parish and district councils are now working on a proposal which both parties have described as a “win, win”.

The new plan will be outlined to the public in the coming weeks, before being more formally developed and agreed with key partners.

Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst, Leader of Three Rivers District Council

Cllr David Tobin, Chair of Croxley Green Parish Council

Update (published 10/10/24)

Councillors and officers from Three Rivers District Council and Croxley Green Parish Council recently met to discuss the future use and development of the former British Red Cross building in Barton Way, Croxley Green. Both parties engaged in positive dialogue during the meeting. A more detailed update on these discussions will be provided at the end of October.

Update (published 17/09/24)

Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst, the Leader of the Council, is personally leading the ongoing efforts to find a solution for the future of the Former Red Cross Centre in Barton Way that will meet the aspirations of all. Officers are working on the details and meetings are being arranged to take place in the coming weeks to ensure the right solution can be reached.

Barton Way, Former Red Cross Building, Statement (published 23/08/24)

The British Red Cross has advised the Welcome Club that their use of the property must cease by 13 September. Three Rivers District Council is due to take possession of the premises in November.

We understand that the Welcome Club have found a suitable alternative venue at the All Saints Church, Croxley Green for its Monday afternoon meetings as from September.

As a matter of goodwill, the district council has agreed that once it takes ownership/control of the building, items belonging to the Welcome Club can remain within the premises for a period of up to three months. Until the council officially acquire the premises, any decision to permit those items remaining in the building rest with the British Red Cross.

An independent valuation of the options regarding the building has recently been received and are currently being assessed by officers. These will be discussed with key officers, lead members and local members once everyone is back from holidays after the August Bank Holidays

After these meetings have taken place, the district council will then engage directly with the parish council.

Any decision on the future of the Barton Way property, will be referred to the appropriate council committee for agreement.

Frequent Asked Questions

These FAQs are live and as such are subject to change and amendment.

What is the British Red Cross building?

The British Red Cross Centre (BRCC) in Barton Way next to the library was built in 1966 by the British Red Cross Society and the Welcome Club on land owned by the Three Rivers District Council (TRDC).

The British Red Cross Society hold a ground lease from TRDC and they ceased hiring the building to the public and other groups in 2019 apart from, as required by the lease, use by the Welcome Club on Monday afternoons.

What is the Welcome Club?

The Welcome Club has existed at the centre since it opened, and its provision is recognised within the lease of the building. Watford and Three Rivers Trust (W3RT) oversee the Welcome Club each Monday, which provides great social opportunities for both local and non-local residents to get together, dance and socialise. Ahead of the surrender of the lease, TRDC have offered to assist the Welcome Club in finding a new home, although it will be up to the Welcome Club to decide where it wants to go.

What is the British Red Cross doing?

The British Red Cross wish to surrender their lease as the building is no longer required as part of its mobility aids service.  TRDC are looking at balancing needs for community space, the future of the Welcome Club and potential additional use for much needed local affordable housing.

What does TRDC plan to do with the BRCC?

Given the under-utilisation of the premises and the lack of wider community uses since 2019, the council, as set out in its draft Local Plan, proposes to redevelop the British Red Cross site with the aim of providing nine social affordable family homes to help reduce the council’s housing waiting list, together with a community space on the ground floor. The plans are subject to planning approval by the council’s planning committee.

Have local councillors and Croxley Green Parish Council been involved in discussing options for the site?

Yes. The possible surrender of the lease by the British Red Cross was discussed by TRDC in December 2020. However, until the lease is surrendered, and terms agreed, the council cannot implement its redevelopment proposals.

During 2023, Three Rivers hosted several meetings with all Croxley councillors, parish councillors and their clerk to discuss options for the site and its possible plans for housing and community space.

Have Croxley Green Parish Council submitted an offer for the building?

Yes, the council has recently received an offer to acquire the building from Croxley Green Parish Council. The council has commissioned an independent valuation, in order to consider the offer put forward. Further, more detailed consideration of the offer will be undertaken upon receipt of the valuation.

Why can’t TRDC just give the Red Cross Centre to Croxley Green Parish Council?

Under the Local Government Act 1972, TRDC is obliged to ensure that it satisfies best value requirements. TRDC is required to act in council taxpayers best financial interest and secure the best value of any asset - it cannot just transfer/sell an asset at less than best consideration and market value.

Could the lease just be passed over to Croxley Parish Council

Yes, in theory, that is called an ‘assignment’ but it requires the British Red Cross and TRDC to agree to this. However, an assignment or subletting to the parish council would still require the Red Cross to adhere to the original lease terms. The lease would also need to be varied as the premises ‘user clause’ prevents the property from being used as a parish office and the British Red Cross would still remain ultimately liable for the property as a guarantor until 2065.

Will the loss of the BRCC mean there are no community spaces available for local groups and clubs?

No, in fact, the development of BRCC intends to provide a new, modern facility on the ground floor which complements the wider offering of community spaces available in Croxley, which the council hopes will continue to further the social wellbeing and interests of the local residents. Fortunately, Croxley is very well-served with community space and there are at least 17 other facilities providing accommodation in Croxley, from small intimate meeting rooms to large school and church halls and everything in between. The council is conscious that the space provided by this development supports the community and allows the BRCC to be better utilised.

Why is housing being considered in addition to community space?

The council currently has more than 100 households in Croxley Green on the housing needs register seeking accommodation for rent. The number of homeless families is growing. The council has to provide plans for housing numbers for our Local Plan. Brownfield sites (those that have previously had any sort of development on them) must be considered before green sites. BRCC is a brownfield site, so it would potentially provide an opportunity for community housing whilst minimising impact on the green belt.

If there is to be community housing added to the site, how much housing will there be?

Assuming a surrender of the lease, TRDC has been working with a community housing association on a plan that satisfies the council’s ‘best value’ duties and the residents it has a duty to support. The proposed scheme would provide 100% affordable housing for rent on the site (1no. one bed and 8no. two bed units) which will provide new homes for local people and a community facility on the ground floor accessed next to the library.

I didn’t really know anything about the Red Cross Centre, how can I find out more?

TRDC will update this page as required so that residents can be confident of the facts, additionally the BRCC regularly gets discussed at the Croxley Local Area Forum. The council intends to undertake public engagement exercise later this year on any proposals before a planning application is submitted.

Please check back here again for factual updates on the process with the BRCC. The council will also be inviting interest from groups and clubs, who may wish to use the community space, once it is built.