Diss Youth & Community Centre
The DYCC Is Currently Closed To Hirers
The building remains closed to the public following the presence of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), read below for more details.
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Work is continuing behind the scenes to consider how Diss Town Council can best use the Diss Youth & Community Centre, which closed in October 2023 due to the presence of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) identified in its roof.
Initial strategic work has been undertaken to identify the need for improved facilities, and this is evolving given new community projects including the new leisure and community centre soon to start development next to the Park.
The Council is seeking independent architectural advice to translate these strategic objectives into a new‑build, deliverable proposal, and to assess feasibility before committing to a preferred delivery route.
The deadline for receipt of quotations to provide RIBA Stages 0-2 services (Strategic Definition through to Concept Design) is 1st June and it is hoped these will be considered by Council at our June / July meeting.
Current opinion is that the existing building cannot be viably repaired, but this will be ruled out as part of the RIBA Stages 0-2 process.
We have also been working with our partners, Citizens Advice Diss & Thetford (CADAT) and South Norfolk & Broadland Council to retain the porta cabin adjacent to the DYCC as an alternative flexible community space. Heads of Terms with the District Council to take on a two-year lease have been reviewed with consideration of the legal agreement imminent, and we hope to take possession if the facility by the summer, supported financially and in kind by CADAT.
The porta cabin offers a generous, versatile space suitable for a variety of activities, including meetings, workshops, small events, or as a base for local initiatives. Its central location within the car park provides easy access for residents, community groups, and businesses looking for convenient space near the town centre.
Likely occupants include the community larder, currently operating out of the DYCC lobby space, a new community shed and youth space. It will also act as a pilot in the short-term whilst we explore options for returning the DYCC to community use.
If you are a community group, organisation or local business interested in hiring the porta cabin, please contact us. Your feedback will help us understand how the space(s) can best meet local needs.
We want to involve the community as much as possible as these projects progress so please get in touch if you’d like to help.