A CONTROVERSIAL project to refurbish an East Dorset community centre has seen its start date pushed back after failing to finalise a contract for the work.

The council-led scheme to redevelop the Heatherlands Community Centre in Barns Road, Ferndown, is now due to be completed by end November 2018.

East Dorset District Council (EDDC) had hoped to award the contract to carry out the refurbishment work before Christmas, but this did not come to fruition.

A statement from the authority says the work will be retendered as soon as possible in the new year and subject to a successful tender process, work will begin on site in May 2018 with the project to be complete by the end of November.

The proposals were approved by EDDC's planning committee last month.

The development features refurbishing the interior to provide a ‘multi-use community hub’ containing council and NHS facilities.

A hardstanding football pitch and play area at the rear of the building will be replaced with a 30-space car park.

However, this element of the project came in for criticism from residents and Ferndown Town Council, with a petition protesting the chain gathering 130 signatures.

The council is extending the play area at Dugdell Close to compensate for the loss at the community centre.

Cllr Andy Skeats, Portfolio Holder for Community, East Dorset District Council, said: “We are working hard to ensure a successful tender process is completed and will do everything possible to ensure that work commences as quickly as possible once we award the build contract.

"We appreciate the delay is frustrating but are liaising with current users to ensure they are supported through the extended closure period.

"Like many residents we look forward to the excellent community facility that this improvement will deliver and would like to thank users of the centre and local residents for their patience while this project is ongoing.”

Cllr Julie Robinson, Ward Councillor for Ferndown Central, East Dorset District Council, said: “It is unfortunate that this project has been delayed but I believe the long-term benefits the new facilities will have for our residents will be worth waiting for.

"I look forward to the information boards being installed as this will help keep people updated with how the project is progressing.”

Information boards are due to be installed outside the centre in the new year, which will provide project updates, timelines and information about the development.