THE final stages to Princetown's exciting new community centre were given a big 'thumbs up' by one of its main funding providers — the Big Lottery Fund.
The providers visited the site last week and said they were 'delighted' with the progress of the build.
With the new arts centre almost ready, and the extensive refurbishment of Lords Café, these are exciting times for the growing community of Princetown.
The new centre, located adjacent to the the primary school and playground, is being built by ROK Construction who will hand over the centre to High Moorland Community Action at the end of March 2009.
The centre will open as soon as possible after this date, once fit out of the facility is complete.
It offers spacious facilities for future users — the main hall with views over the moor can be used both as a sports facility as well as a function venue. The village library and doctor's surgery will have permanent rooms in the new building, and there is a purpose built children's centre offering great facilities for pre-school children.
High Moorland Community Action Group (HMCA) is already receiving enquiries from potential users.
Gregg Manning, chair of HMCA and a resident of Princetown, said: 'This is an amazing opportunity for the village community. The centre can be used for so many things — to facilitate meetings and training events, accommodate functions, and provide a focus for community services in a comfortable environment.
'It is a real springboard-opportunity for everyone. We are so grateful for the support from all our funding providers and for all the hard work that a lot of people have put into the project to bring us to this point.'
HMCA would like to hear from anyone with ideas and uses for the centre, or who would like particular courses or events to take place there. Call 01822 890732 or email [email protected]">[email protected]