SAVE PIPPBROOK HOUSE FOR COMMUNITY USE
CHiP is a Community Interest Company that passionately believes that Pippbrook House should be retained in public hands for the enjoyment of future generations.
Built between 1856 and 1858, Pippbrook House in Dorking was designed by the distinguished architect George Gilbert Scott. With its richly decorated interior and painted ceilings, Pippbrook House is now a Grade II* listed building, a distinction that English Heritage bestows on only a very small proportion of listed properties.
Our aim is to see this fabulous heritage asset not only restored to its former glory but put back in use for the benefit of the community.
NEW: TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE HOUSE
(by Horizon Imaging Ltd)
LATEST NEWS
2020: PROGRESS
Since June 2019 we continued to make great progress with MVDC and RJK to discuss, plan and negotiate the most appropriate business terms for Pippbrook House.
Covid-19 has created a hiatus, and understandably, MVDC has more pressing matters to attend to. CHiP continues to be confident about developing and opening the house as a community hub.
We will keep everyone up to date over the coming months.
June 2019: PROGRESS
The hiatus caused by the local election period is officially over, and we've been working with MVDC to progress our planning.
During the purdah period, we've been quietly working on preparing plans and financing models to begin to present to MVDC.
January 2019: PROGRESS
CHiP signs a development agreement with RJK Properties Ltd development partner for Pippbrook House, should the proposal meet the requirements of the MVDC LOI.
RJK Properties Ltd is the successful, family-run owner/developer/operator of Copeland Park & The Bussey Building, Peckham's Cultural Quarter as well as Beckenham Place Mansion .
With RJK Properties' decades of expertise and experience, we believe that CHiP can confidently offer a viable and sustainable solution to the community.
February 2019: PROGRESS
Another productive working meeting with MVDC to present our detailed business plan framework based on RJK Properties' commercial experience in redeploying properties such as Copeland Park, Bussey Building and Beckenham Place Mansion.
We are now awaiting a final survey of Pippbrook House (commissioned by MVDC) that will inform our business-plan in terms of timings, costs and P&L.
Over February, we've been delighted by the formal support given by many local organisations including the Dorking Town Partnership, Dorking WI, numerous local charities and the Dorking NFU as future users and tenants of the house.
WE'RE A COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY WITH A PLAN
We use business solutions to achieve public good
CHiP CIC is a community interest company for Mole Valley, set up to organise and raise funds to acquire Pippbrook House and to make possible its running for use by the local community.
There is a proven local enthusiasm for the potential uses of the house and confidence in the potential to make this community-focused project financially viable and sustainable.
Take a look at what we've achieved since September 2018 (Jan 2019 high-level update).
PIPPFEST & PIPPBROOK HOUSE
We held the 5th PippFest in 2019 and over 2,000 attendees demonstrated the local level of love and support for Pippbrook House.
We want to socialise the idea of using Pippbrook House to encourage and incubate entrepreneurs in our community – a hub that brings people together to interact with local businesses, artists, wellbeing practitioners – and to learn from each other…
A REAL LOCAL NEED
The ONS Annual Population Survey indicates that the numbers of self employed (i.e. not employees) had risen from 6,300 to 8,700 in 2015-16. Our District has substantially higher rates of self employment (as a % of total employment) than the national average; 16.3% compared with 10.2%.*
Pippbrook House can be used by our local self-employed community as a place to work, network and hold meetings, as well as to find opportunities to learn new skills and participate in leisure and wellbeing activities.
*Source: MVDC Economic Development Needs Assessment
CREATING A COMMUNITY SPACE
The MVDC Economic Development Needs Assessment concludes that there is an opportunity to encourage local startups and support for the self-employed in the area.
More than simply a retail and leisure facility, Dorking needs a hub that encourages entrepreneurism, start-ups and local networking:
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Local therapists and healthcare practitioners need professional, affordable and flexible therapy spaces.
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Affordable, flexible co-working spaces and meeting rooms.
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Arts and Performing Arts Spaces.
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Training, Coaching and Educational Spaces.
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Events Spaces
PRECEDENTS FOR SUCCESS
We propose a ‘tried and tested’ model for the project; a blend of commercial community workspaces and facilities successfully employed by:
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The Royal Academy
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Peckham Levels
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TechHub
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WeWork
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Workspace
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Boxpark
A VISION FOR THE COMMUNITY
Despite the development limitations of a Grade II* Listed building, we passionately believe we can create a site of great commercial and community value.
We take our inspiration from The Keeper's House at the Royal Academy, The Hospital Club and The Ned in London – amazing venues for specific communities of people in buildings of architectural value.
CONTACT US
Fill in the form if you want to help, or have any enquiries about our project.
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