Building work on Braintree District Council’s multi-million-pound community centre which will provide a versatile social space for residents is underway.
Councillors joined representatives from construction company SEH French and design consultancy Ingleton Wood in a traditional breaking of the ground ceremony at the site off Haygreen Road, Witham, on Thursday, 5 June.
The new community centre will feature a mixed-use hall, kitchen, bar area and changing rooms to serve sports players using the adjacent football pitch.
It will also provide a versatile space for residents to play sports, attend meetings and take part in social clubs and activities.
Braintree District Council is investing £4 million into the project which is broken down into a contribution of £2.27 million from the Council and £1.77 million in monies pledged by developers as part of the planning process.
Cllr Kevin Bowers, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance at Braintree District Council, said: “'This investment will provide residents with a modern, accessible space to enjoy a wide range of social activities. We’d like to thank our design consultants Ingleton Wood and the rest of our professional team for their work in getting the project to this stage, and we’re pleased to be working with SEH French, a company with a proven track record in delivery and high-quality construction. Through our joined-up approach with Witham Town Council, this project will undoubtedly enhance community life and create opportunities for people to come together for many years to come.”
Stephen Brundell, Site Manager for SEH French, said: “It is great to support Braintree District Council in providing local residents with such an important community resource. This new centre, complete with modern amenities and sports facilities, will serve the Witham community for years to come – from sports teams to social clubs. Community projects such as these are hugely rewarding to be involved in and we look forward to handing over the keys to the new centre once construction is completed.”
On completion, Braintree District Council will transfer the asset to Witham Town Council who will own and manage it.
Witham Town Council Mayor, Councillor Paul Heath, said: “I would like to congratulate both councils and officers past and present for bringing this vision a step closer, and look forward to delivering a community centre that can be a valued asset to residents of the area and the town as a whole. I also look forward to our continued cooperation in bringing other projects forward in all parts of our town.”
Building work is expected to take a year to complete.