Work begins on Stanway’s new £1.8m Community Centre

Work begins on Stanway’s new £1.8m Community Centre

Work has started on site to develop a new community facility in Stanway, providing additional resources and increased capacity to benefit local residents.

The new Stanway Community Centre will be located on the Western Bypass in Stanway.  The 504m² building will offer a host of flexible facilities for the local community to take advantage of.

Work started on site on Monday 11 October 2021.  The development is being completed by local company Hutton Construction Ltd and project managed by Colchester Amphora Trading Ltd, a fully owned commercial business of Colchester Borough Council.

Cllr Paul Dundas, Leader of the Council, said: “We have been working hard to bring this project from plan to reality and I am delighted to see construction now underway. With the rapid expansion of Stanway, and the existing community halls often fully booked, it is a much needed that we know will be well used.”

Colchester Borough Council has funding to develop the site with contributions from developers, who have recently built a number of homes in the area.

Paul Smith, Group Commercial Development Director, said: “This is another excellent local community centre new build project, being managed by Colchester Amphora Trading Limited on behalf of the Council, and we look forward to the opening next year.”

Facilities will include a large main hall and a smaller one which can be subdivided. There will be a kitchen, offices and meeting room spaces upstairs and a defibrillator on site. There will also be PV panels and electric charging points.

The centre will also have a ‘Changing Places’ facility, which is crucial to maximise accessibility and ensure that all visitors have the equipment and space to allow them to use the toilets safely and comfortably.

Cllr Beverley Oxford, Portfolio Holder for Communities, added: “I am delighted that work is set to start on this fantastic resource for local residents. It will add much-needed capacity and give flexibility for a wide range of groups and individuals to use the centre.

“The development demonstrates the Council’s commitment to maximising developer contributions to help provide facilities that help benefit the local community.”

Pictured:
Cllr Paul Dundas
Cllr Beverley Oxford
Cllr Lesley Scott Boutell
Cllr Jeremy Hagon
Paul Smith – Amphora
Alison Fogg – Amphora
Kevin Whyte – Barefoot & Gilles
David Ball – Hutton Construction
David Percival – Hutton Construction
Debby Bloomfield – Stanway Parish Council

Article source: Colchester Borough Council website