Work starts on £2.2m community hub
The building of a new civic centre and library for Whitnash is underway.
The £2.2m community hub is expected to be completed by summer 2021 and will include a multi-use sports hall, library, community café, meeting room and offices for the town council.
The scheme is being funded through a £1m grant and further contributions of £900,000 from Warwick District Council, a £150,000 Sport England grant with the library receiving £154,000 from Warwickshire County Council.
An additional £20,000 for external elements such as landscaping, parking, electric vehicle charging points and bike racks was raised through a local crowdfunding campaign with the remaining costs covered by a public works loan of £250,000 taken by the town council.
The contractor for the scheme is Deeley Construction.
District and town councillor for Whitnash, Cllr Tony Heath, said: “A Civic Centre and Library on Acre Close has been a priority for our local community since it was identified by public consultation in our Neighbourhood Plan. I am therefore very pleased that thanks to support from Warwick District Council, Warwickshire County Council and the efforts of local businesses and residents, this vital multi-functional facility will soon be up and running for the benefit of everyone in our town.”
Leader of Warwick District Council, Cllr Andrew Day, added: “The great town of Whitnash deserves nothing less than a strong community hub. Today, as work begins on this historic project, we also celebrate what can be achieved when we come together and focus on the needs of our community. This major investment is built on years of hard work to create a modern Civic Centre and Library fit for the future of this growing and changing town. When completed next year, the Centre will I’m sure, not only bring benefits to local residents, but provide new jobs and confidence at a critical time for our district.”
Pictured from left to right Martin Gallagher (Managing Director Deeley Construction), Councillor Judy Falp (Whitnash Town Council), Councillor Tony Heath (Whitnash Town Council), Councillor Pam Redford (Vice-Chairman Warwick District Council), Councillor Andrew Day (Leader, Warwick District Council).
