THE countdown is under way to the opening of a much- needed new community centre at Princetown after Exeter builders Rok joined residents to celebrate the start of work on site. Rok's Bruce MacDonald was joined by Devon county councillor Alan Hoskins and chairman of High Moorland Community Action, David Swayles, as well as representatives of project managers Ward Williams Associates and the Princetown community for a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start on site of the project which includes a new doctor's surgery, hall, library and children's centre. Princetown has been without its own community centre for more than 20 years since the previous building was demolished. When complete, the new centre will bring together a range of essential local services as well as IT and leisure facilities under one roof. The project has financial backing including £418,456 from the Big Lottery Fund's Community Buildings programme. Other investment came from the South West RDA, landowners the Duchy of Cornwall, West Devon Borough Council, Devon County Council, DNPA, Sport England and the Children's Centre. David Swales said: 'On behalf of the village and everyone involved with the HMCA I am truly delighted that we have been able to mark the official start on site and look forward to the new services that will be brought to the village as a result of the Princetown Village Centre.' Bruce MacDonald, Rok, said: 'We are delighted to see work underway. 'It's fantastic to be involved in bringing forward such an important project which we hope will be of huge benefit for all the local community.' Les Roper, community regeneration manager for the South West RDA, said: 'In addition to providing people in this remote rural community with access to services, our investment in the village centre is also intended to help unlock the potential of local businesses. 'This will be done through a range of advice and training which will be offered at the centre by HMCA in partnership with Business Link.' Cllr Isla McPhie, West Devon Borough Council ward member, said: 'I am delighted the residents of Princetown, who have been without a community centre for many years, will soon have a first class facility on their doorstep. 'This project is a perfect example of how the public and private sector can work together to benefit the community and I hope the wide range of facilities available will be enjoyed for many years to come.' Cllr Hosking said: 'It is a tribute to the people of Princetown that, for the last 20 years, they have had to cope without a purpose-built village centre. 'By bringing together under one roof all the services to cater for the needs of all age groups, the new village centre will make a great contribution to Princetown's already strong community spirit." The Princetown Village Centre is being built next to Princetown Playing Fields and is scheduled for completion in March 2009.
