Work began this week on a new Listen & Care charity day centre in Leegomery – the first phase in the long awaited redevelopment of the district shopping centre.
Councillor Andrew Eade, leader of Telford & Wrekin Borough Council cut the ceremonial first turf to get the project under way. It is hoped the new day centre will be completed by July.
Once the charity has moved, its former building will be demolished and Phase 2 will get under way to build new shops, replacing those lost in a fire in 2005.
Pat Smart, chairman of Hadley and Leegomery Parish Council, said: “This is the new dawn for the people of Leegomery and it is such a relief that at long last this sorry saga has come to an end, I look forward to a bright future.”
The Listen & Care charity provide activities for people suffering with mental health problems.
Staff intend to spend £10,000 on furniture and soft fittings when they move into their new home. They plan to buy more than 25 new chairs, curtains, coffee tables and other items and have begun fundraising.
Centre worker Jackie Pennington, said: “The new building is going to be about the same size but it is going to be an all-dancing all-singing building with double glazing.
“We are in an old building so it is absolutely wonderful and we are looking forward to moving in.”
