PROPOSALS for a new �3m family centre in Carlton Colville moved up a gear this week as plans were unveiled for the first two fund-raising events – with an invitation for people to go along and show their support.

The Journal first reported last September on the ambitious plans by a charitable group to build The Discovery Family Centre to address the lack of leisure and social facilities in the area and act as a focal point for the community.

They hope the centre – which could be built on one of three possible sites – will offer a wide range of facilities, including a cr�che, a health and fitness suite, a gym, recording studios, youth football with changing rooms, a community caf� and kitchen, a cycle repair centre, post office, a community garden and a main hall, which could house a community cinema, and a meeting place for groups, craft events and religious ceremonies.

As the fund-raising effort gets under way, a sponsored Zumba and a quiz night have been organised.

A spokesman for the centre group, comprising local people, said: 'We had a really good showcase event (when the plans went on display), which attracted a lot of people. From that we have set up a fund-raising group to organise some local events to help raise its profile and move it on to the next level.'

With that in mind, the Zumba night has been organised for next month and the quiz for early March.

The group is also looking into holding fund-raising film and cinema nights, bingo evenings, a parachute jump by members and it is also considering staging a Lowestoft's Got Talent event.

'The Discovery Family Centre is a multi-purpose project that is designed to be a cohesive, empowering project that will help to create an active community,' the spokesman added.

'It will be a focus for social interaction, continuing education, improving employment possibilities and health and fitness.

'Families will be able to meet up with their friends and enjoy a variety of health and fitness and leisure pursuits.

'It will be a great way to get information and a place to meet people and find support and friendship.'

At September's open day, people were asked which one of three sites they favoured: the rear of The Crown pub, off Castleton Avenue; next to the Hall Road Community Centre or on the site of Carlton Colville Primary School.

As well as local people, the centre group is made up of a local GP and councillors and representatives from Grove Primary School.

It is supported by Waveney MP Peter Aldous, who is its patron, and Waveney District Council.

The Zumba night and quiz will both be held at the Hall Road Community Centre.

The Zumba, on February 4, is recommended for people aged over 16.

It costs �5 per person and starts at 7pm.

The quiz, sponsored by Harrod UK, is on March 3. It starts at 7pm, with �5 entry per team and is open to a maximum of five people per team.

Meanwhile, the centre group is looking for local businesses to host one of its forthcoming fund-raising events.

For information on the Zumba evening and quiz, to register a team for the quiz, or to find out more about hosting a future event, ring 01502 581757 or e-mail info@thediscoveryfamilycentre.org