WORK has started on the new £1million state-of-the-art community centre in Cofton Hackett.
Developer St Modwen is currently working on the building on the former Longbridge East Works site, on the corner of East Works Drive and Groveley Lane.
It is being created after a planning agreement because there will be more than 600 new homes being built in the village.
Once complete, the 4,000sq ft centre will be a vital hub and resource, hosting a range of activities such as sports classes, family events and hobby groups.
Chris Newsome, St Modwen’s development director, said: “It’s been great to work with Cofton Hackett Parish Council and the Cofton Village Hall Trust on this project.
“We’re really pleased to be delivering a building we know will play a vital role in strengthening this already tight-knit community.”
The hall will feature a fully-equipped kitchen, a meeting room, office and a sheltered outside activity area.
The Cofton Village Hall Trust, created by residents, is aiming to raise £80,000 to buy furniture for the centre once it is complete. So far they have raised more than £3,000.
Chair of Trustees Rev Sheri Gidney said: “Everyone is very excited about the new village hall which we know will be much-loved and well-used.
“We’re now focused on fund-raising so we can make the centre as comfortable as possible.”
The work is expected to be completed by the spring.
Visit www.coftonvillagehall.org for more information about the hall or www.gofundme.com/CoftonVillageHall to make a donation.
