Work begins on Isleham’s new community centre funded by £400,000 of grants

WORK has started on a new community centre in Isleham after six years of planning and obtaining £400,000 in grants.

The 1,050sq metre centre on the recreation ground will include a large hall, bar, kitchen, meeting rooms and four changing rooms. The building is due to be completed by November.

Derrick Beckett, chairman of Isleham Parish Council, said: “In retrospect I don’t think that any of us knew the full extent of what we were undertaking six years ago, but we got there in the end.

“Sincere thanks are due to all those people who have worked so hard and doggedly, to the community who have supported us and to all organisations who helped us achieve our goal.

“I believe that all the effort was worthwhile and this impressive centre will become a hub of social and business activities in the area for many years to come.”

It was six years ago that Isleham Parish Council decided to investigate the possibility of replacing the 1950s village hall and the 1960s sports pavilion with a multi-purpose community centre.

A steering committee, the Isleham Community Association, was formed and had the task of securing grants and working out just what was needed by the village.

Grants have been secured from East Cambridgeshire District Council, Sport England, WREN, Garfield Weston, Amey Cespa and the Football Foundation, which granted more than £152,000.

Paul Thorogood, chief executive of the Football Foundation, said: “I commend Isleham Community Association and Isleham Parish Council and Cambs FA for working tirelessly to secure this funding and I look forward to seeing the end result.”