First step towards new community centre
Abbotswood Community Association trustees, local councillors and contractors marked the start of work to build a brand new community centre at Abbotswood with a turf cutting ceremony on Monday, 25 July.
Abbotswood Community Association trustees, local councillors and contractors marked the start of work to build a brand new community centre at Abbotswood with a turf cutting ceremony on Monday, 25 July.
Attendees gathered at the site of the new centre to celebrate the first stage of the brand new facility, which is set to include a large hall and kitchen as well as smaller rooms for other activities. Abbotswood Community Association trustees have been involved in the design and specification of the building from the start of the project, and once the building is complete, Test Valley Borough Council will lease the new centre to the trustees who will manage the venue and its bookings.
Chair of Abbotswood Community Association trustees, Rachel Wills, said: “We are really pleased that the project is now taking shape. There are now around 640 occupied houses on the development and residents are very keen to make use of a community facility. We can’t wait to furnish the centre to make it a fun and welcoming place for people to meet, make new friends and be part of a vibrant community.”
Portfolio holder for community and leisure, Councillor Tony Ward, added: “The new community centre will be a fantastic venue for local groups and clubs to host a range of activities. The building forms part of a wider plan to increase the number of amenities that are available to local residents. Over the coming years, Abbotswood residents will be able to make use of a convenience store, day nursery, public house, GP or dental practice and commercial units, so it is great to see the first steps being made.”
Rob Acheson, director for the main contractor, Acheson Construction Ltd, added: “I am delighted to be involved in this community scheme which will benefit local residents for many years to come.”
The new community centre is set to be completed in spring 2017. For more information about the community centre, visit www.abbotswoodromsey.co.uk