EXCLUSIVE ALMOST half a million pounds has been awarded to build a community centre in Wisbech St Mary. The money has come from the Big Lottery Fund and will be officially announced on Monday. The �469,000 grant will pay for a multi-purpose facility to r

EXCLUSIVE

ALMOST half a million pounds has been awarded to build a community centre in Wisbech St Mary.

The money has come from the Big Lottery Fund and will be officially announced on Monday.

The �469,000 grant will pay for a multi-purpose facility to replace a derelict World War One wooden army hut and situated directly next to the main road.

The new building will be re-sited to a more central location, adjacent to the village's extensive sports field.

It will consist of a main hall, community bar and lounge area and two multi-purpose spaces.

The construction period will be approximately seven months.

Graham Drew from the Wisbech St Mary Community Centre Project said: "Following almost 12 years work to obtain a new community facility we have finally achieved it with the support from the Big Lottery Fund.

"The new building is going to make a real difference and will allow the village to maintain its existing services and promote new ones to meet additional community needs and encourage a wider range of users.

"The new building achieves our principle aim of re-building the amenity in a location away from the roadside with safe parking including disabled facilities and a safe environment for children. It will be re-sited next to the sports pavilion and children's play equipment on our sports field."

Sara Betsworth, Big Lottery Fund Head of the East of England region said: "Voluntary and community organisations in particular are facing challenging times because of the economic downturn so securing these grants is a real ray of light for Wisbech St Mary.

"These grants will strengthen local services and help to ensure the long-term sustainability of the facilities and of the community that uses them."

Wisbech St Mary has been thriving in the recession.

This latest news comes on the back of the opening of a �75,000 play park, funded by Cambridgeshire County Council, Fenland District Council and the local community.