A NEW community hub costing more than £2 million will be constructed in Poole, with space for a pre-school and various other facilities.
Poole Communities Trust successfully raised money for the new hub, on the corner of Northmere Road and Arne Avenue, which will provide “a wide range of activities and services for local people of all ages”.
Following a competitive tender, the Trust awarded Amiri Construction with the contract to build the community project.
A temporary building arrived on the adjacent site in May to enable the pre-school and youth provision to continue during the 12-month construction period.
Bourne Big Local chair Kerry Manning said: “I can’t wait for us to get started. I was so excited when the temporary building arrived, but to witness the site clearance and see the new building rise from the ground will be just brilliant.
“The Hub is going to provide something for everyone of all ages. From a friendly and welcoming place to get a cuppa, to playing your favourite sport, or getting support from Citizens Advice or one of the other partner organisations, to joining a club or learning something new.”
Chris Beale, chair of Poole Communities Trust, commented: “This will make a huge positive difference to the people of Bourne, who are so often overlooked.
“Enormous thanks to all the organisations and individuals who have grant funded or made donations to this amazing project. We look forward to working with Amiri Construction to turn our dream into reality.”
Construction will be run from Amiri’s Bournemouth office, less than 5 miles from the site.
The project is due to be completed in June 2022.
As well as the 50-place pre-school, the centre will host youth activities every evening and a community café.
Councillor Jane Kelly, lead member for engagement, said: “It’s tremendous to see this project coming forward strongly. It will be valuable as soon as it’s opened, but more interesting will be how it evolves over time based on how people use it and what they want to see included in the future.”
The project has been supported by the likes of the Talbot Village Trust, BCP Council, National Lottery, Alice Ellen Cooper Dean Charitable Trust and Wessex Water Recovery Fund.
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