AN ambitious £1million project to transform a former city centre butchers into a thriving new community hub is finally nearing completion.

Geller Butchers, in St John’s Street, Colchester, closed down back in 2017 after long-serving owner Jack Warnes decided not to re-open after Christmas.

The vacant building, which Mr Warnes had presided over for 25 years, was taken on by Level Best Enterprises, which was founded in 2009 by the Dacon Trust.

The non-profit organisation strives to provide valuable life and work experience to youngsters and adults with learning disabilities through a series of projects.

Gazette:

After purchasing the site, bosses at Level Best Enterprises applied for planning permission with a view of renovating and extending the former meat house.

Following years of hard work the new hub, which will boast an art gallery, studio, workshop space, and café, is now expected to launch in February 2023.

Alison Ling, manager at Level Best Enterprises, was delighted after being informed the new community hub was now just months away from opening.

She added: “We’re passionate about providing high-quality enterprise training, which is why we make sure our trainees are at the heart of what we do.

“This project, which will enable us to extend our service to more trainees, is not only just for Level Best but for the whole of Colchester.”

More than 60 trainees take part in the more than 110 sessions every week at Level Best Enterprises’ workshop space at Darcy House.

The rising demand for Level Best Enterprises’ services, combined with Darcy House’s lack of capacity, however, meant the scheme had to be moved to a larger facility.

As a result, Level Best Enterprises’ current site, which also suffered from a restrictive layout, will close down, but not until the new building has opened early next year.

“We’d love to welcome everyone with open arms,” said Alison.

“Everyone is welcome in our space, and we wish to encourage artists of any ability to display their art in our gallery and encourage people to pop in for a coffee.”

To find out more information or to get involved visit dacontrust.co.uk.