A MAJOR refurbishment of a community centre in Ferndown is under way.

The renovation project at the Heatherlands Centre at Tricketts Cross will see the popular facility modernised throughout.

The plans for the centre include updating the kitchen areas, adding first floor offices, and creating three large halls for hire, which will be multi-use and fully accessible. Meeting rooms providing the services already available at the centre, such as the CAB, will remain. East Dorset District Council (EDDC) have instructed AKA Building to carry out the work.

Matt Reeks, community and open spaces manager for EDDC has briefed all three ward councillors for Ferndown on the full plans moving forward.

Cllr Julie Robinson was given the honour of removing the first brick, which signified the start of the work.

She said: “I’m so pleased to see the work begin at our community centre. The works planned are exciting and will be fantastic once completed.

“Investing in the centre will help ensure that we can provide services to local residents and current users for years to come, whilst also welcoming new users to the centre. I’m incredibly proud to be involved with the centre refurbishment and can’t wait to see it being well used in 2019.”

Chris Akaidere, business development manager, AKA Building Company, said: “We’re pleased to be working with East Dorset District Council on this community project. The commencement of works this week was the first of many milestones, but we’re looking forward to seeing this project finished and welcoming the community back to the centre.”

The works at the centre are expected to be completed before the end of this year.