mpj
15 Jul 09, 8:14 AM
CONSTRUCTION on a new ?2.5million community centre for Magor and Undy could begin early next year.
The scheme to create a building for the village community on the Three Fields Site has been approved by Monmouthshire County Council's planning committee. The hall will provide a sports hall, a youth room, changing rooms, offices, kitchen, bar and toilets.
Other plans for the site include planting rare species of apple trees on an orchard for use as an educational resource for schools and building a bridge to connect the site to the tennis courts. There will be parking for 34 cars.
The driving force behind campaign is the Magor and Undy Sports and Leisure Association. The group has already secured ?800,000 in Assembly funding and other grants.
This is believed it will be the first enviromentally-friendly community centre in Wales.
Andy Quine, the association?s chairman, said work to secure a lease with Monmouthshire County Council and raise the remaining money has begun.
"We are looking at using sustainable materials to build the centre and using renewable sources such as wind or solar power to run it," said Mr Quine.
"The centre will be at the forefront of technology with low running costs. The group is looking at recycling water and drawing heat from the ground."
Cllr James Harris, treasurer of the association said the scheme would bring the communities of Magor and Undy together and be a landmark for the area.
"We have several small halls in the area but no focal point in a large hall. This aims to bring the communities together and serve a multi functional use," added Cllr Harris.
"We can hold other activities such as productions, playgroups and fitness sessions here."
The scheme to create a building for the village community on the Three Fields Site has been approved by Monmouthshire County Council's planning committee. The hall will provide a sports hall, a youth room, changing rooms, offices, kitchen, bar and toilets.
Other plans for the site include planting rare species of apple trees on an orchard for use as an educational resource for schools and building a bridge to connect the site to the tennis courts. There will be parking for 34 cars.
The driving force behind campaign is the Magor and Undy Sports and Leisure Association. The group has already secured ?800,000 in Assembly funding and other grants.
This is believed it will be the first enviromentally-friendly community centre in Wales.
Andy Quine, the association?s chairman, said work to secure a lease with Monmouthshire County Council and raise the remaining money has begun.
"We are looking at using sustainable materials to build the centre and using renewable sources such as wind or solar power to run it," said Mr Quine.
"The centre will be at the forefront of technology with low running costs. The group is looking at recycling water and drawing heat from the ground."
Cllr James Harris, treasurer of the association said the scheme would bring the communities of Magor and Undy together and be a landmark for the area.
"We have several small halls in the area but no focal point in a large hall. This aims to bring the communities together and serve a multi functional use," added Cllr Harris.
"We can hold other activities such as productions, playgroups and fitness sessions here."