Rebuild of arson hit Stafford Salvation Army base nears completion

Work to rebuild an arson hit community centre is now in its final stages, with the work expected to be finished next month.

The Salvation Army, in Faraday Road, was gutted last August when yobs set light to bins.

The blaze caused the roof to collapse, destroying everything inside.

Now, nine months later, the £310,000 renovation of the Christian community centre is nearing completion and the group hope to take control of the building in four weeks time.

A new roof was put on the building in March

Linda Downward, officer in charge at the base, said: "Everything is on track to be completed in June as planned. The work is coming along smoothly.

"It is all very exciting, it has been a long time coming but now we are just a month from having the keys back from the contractors, which we hope will be June 26."

Work began on the Salvation Army building earlier in the year

The interior of the Salvation Army building in Stafford in March

She added: "It is the final countdown now and we are all rather overwhelmed by the reality of it all.

"There is still a lot to do but the rebuild has really come along."

The windows at the centre were installed two weeks ago and the scaffolding came down last Sunday.

The original cost of the rebuild was £250,000 but following a full investigation into the extent of the damage, a 16-week salvage project totalled £60,000 more than first hoped.

The progress of the renovation work in March

Work in progress on the Salvation Army building earlier in the year

Contractors Cremin Construction started on the site in February and are completing the final stages including fitting gas and water services and internal furnishings.

Mrs Downward added: "Wooden beams have been installed inside the building and they look amazing. They give the hall a real personality. We will also fit a new front door."

The group were insured for the cost of the exterior work, but were under-insured for the refurbishment of the interior.

They are appealing for donations to kit out the centre, ready for the unofficial opening on July 26.

The group will celebrate with a family fun day at the centre and Mrs Downward said: "The charity needs tables, chairs, kitchen equipment and office supplies.

"The support from the community has been incredible and if anyone can help, we would be very grateful."

Salvation Army has been active in Stafford for 125 years and the centre will need to replace all furniture and kitchen equipment.

More than thirty fire fighters tackled the blaze for five hours in the early hours of August 29 and police are still investigating

Anyone who would like To donate, call Mrs Downward on 07783 897957 or email linda.downward@salvationarmy.co.uk