Work on much needed community hub could begin by next spring

Worlingham is believed to be the largest village in Suffolk without a community centre, pub or meeting room following the closure of the church hall in 2008.

The Worlingham Community Facility already has planning permission and will see building of a community centre and 15 new homes in Rectory Lane.

However, the village is currently awaiting the transfer of the site from Suffolk County Council.

Wendy Summerfield, head of the steering trust who oversaw the bid, said: 'Hopefully on the day they say the land is yours we will be able to start work.

'In the best case scenario we hope to be starting in spring next year.'

To ensure that the development can begin as soon as possible the trust has started interviewing for a project manager.

They have interviewed two potential candidates so far with a third scheduled to take place soon.

Speaking at the Worlingham Village Fete, Mrs Summerfield highlighted the importance of the new facility and the impact it will have on the community spirit of the village.

She said: 'There is nowhere for the people of Worlingham to meet up at the moment.

'There are loads of people out here today and there is just nowhere for them all to go.

'Opening out onto All Saints Green, with the church on one side and houses all around - this is the perfect site.'

Fellow trustee, Ali Culyer, agreed saying the locality of the site was 'ideal' to benefit the community.

In describing the new properties which will be built in conjunction with the hub she added: 'They will be a mixture of detached and semi-detached houses in keeping with the style of the road.'

The new facility will have a large hall, meeting rooms, an office, kitchen, licensed bar and parking and the business case put forward at the planning stage suggests it be will be self-funding.

Mrs Summerfield added: 'I am just so looking forward to it getting started.'

Do you have a Worlingham story? Email james.carr@archant.co.uk or call 01502 525832.