A NEW £1.8 million community centre has been given the green light and is set to be built next year.

Colchester Council has given the nod to Stanway Community Centre, which will be built near Stanway Western Bypass, by placing a construction contract with Hutton Construction Ltd.

The centre will feature a large hall, offices, meeting rooms, a function room, kitchens and storage.

Construction is expected to start imminently with the build completed around Spring next year.

Paul Dundas, ward councillor for Stanway and leader of Colchester Council, said “I am delighted this much needed and delayed project is finally signed off and underway.

"The existing community halls in Stanway are already oversubscribed and this will add much needed capacity.

"It is a real landmark building. I am slightly concerned about the parking provision and we absolutely have to make sure there is a crossing on the road but a £2m direct investment in Stanway which will be available to everyone should be welcomed.

“Hutton have an excellent track record on delivering projects like this and are based half a mile outside of Stanway in Birch so it’ll also be a direct boost to the local economy.”

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Once complete the building and grounds will be handed to Stanway Parish Council on a long lease for day-to-day management.