A Telford community centre is set for a big upgrading after being handed more than £300,000 to extend facilities.
Delighted members of Admaston Community House Centre Trust have been awarded £315,741 from the Big Lottery Fund’s community buildings programme grant fund.
The cash will enable members to press ahead with plans to create a new single story annexe, utility room and toilets.
It is hoped the extension to the centre will be completed next year so more community groups can use the premises.
The extension will also include a new separate entrance, two meeting rooms and a new boiler.
The annexe will be ‘an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable building’.
It is hoped older people, young people and young mothers will be able to use the site.
Graham Hayward, chairman of Admaston House Community Centre, said: “Admaston House Community Centre is delighted it has been granted these funds to kickstart its multi-phase development programme.
“Co-funding has been contributed by St Christopher’s Trust, who will move their operations to Admaston House, delivering extensive work with families and children.
“Local schools, colleges, youth work and childcare providers as well as Age Concern and a multitude of arts, drama and music groups, have all been very enthusiastic about the project,” said Mr Hayward.
Admaston House is one of 13 communities in the West Midlands to have received grant funding from the lottery.
Mr John Taylor, Big Lottery Fund West Midlands Head of Region, said: “These buildings are meant to be at the centre of daily life for many people.
“But in many communities, the halls and centres have either fallen into disrepair or are no longer suitable for modern needs.
“The grant awards give a boost to local residents by helping them develop a place where they can meet, get advice or service, learn or play, right in the heart of their town or village.”
The Admaston House Community Centre Trust have a 125 year lease on the building granted by Telford & Wrekin Council.
Planners gave the Trust the thumbs up for the build in August last year and members have been waiting to hear from the Big Lottery Fund before they could go ahead with building work.
Campaigners have been battling for some time to see the annexe created.
A public consultation exercise was carried out in recent years which showed people living in the Admaston area wanted new facilities at the centre, which was already having to turn groups away due to lack of availability.
