Start date finally in sight for Dudley community centre
A long-awaited community centre has moved a step closer with plans for the Dudley project put forward and bosses hoping the first brick will be laid in April.
North Priory Community Centre has been eight years in the making.
The site on the Donkey Pool playing fields in Priory Road has stood empty since the former community buildings were knocked down in 2007.
The plans, by Dudley Council, have now been submitted to the authority and reveal that the centre will feature a hall, kitchen, cafe, changing rooms, shower facilities and multi-use games area.
The scheme was initially set to cost £480,000 but council chiefs estimate a further £130,000 is needed to complete the project to the standard required.
Ground works began on the site in November last year.
Councillor Ken Finch, who represents the Castle and Priory ward, said it was a marvellous achievement for the community.
"I am over the moon that the wheels have been put in motion," he said.
"We are not there yet but we cannot wait to see the first brick laid. The job has gone out to tender and we are positive that it will be well within budget. We are over the moon as it will not only help the tenants and residents meetings but the two changing rooms will be most useful for the sports players."
An outside recreational area is intended to be funded by Sport England.
Councillor Finch added: "The residents have done a fantastic job at getting this all together.
"We are extremely positive that after all this time we are finally going to get what we wanted. It has been all these years in the making but the future is looking bright."
Planning documents state that the existing car park to the south of the site will continue to serve both the existing and proposed facilities, as 'there will not be a significant need for increased parking numbers'.
A patio area will also be landscaped that will overlook the sports pitch and incorporate 'a welcoming single entrance'.
It is also hoped that the venue would be used for wedding receptions, residents meetings, clubs and classes. The facility had long been planned but ran into difficulties over funding.
Speaking in December, Councillor Gaye Partridge, cabinet member for Housing, said that the centre would 'bring people together'.
