A major £150,000 project to refurbish Burnham-On-Sea Community Centre has got underway this week.
The building in Berrow Road, which is home to over 60 community groups, is being given an overhaul and work is scheduled to finish next April.
Ken Hindle, Chairman of Burnham and Highbridge Community Association, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The historic building will be given a new lease of life with a number of improvements, in including enhancements to the kitchens and toilets.”
“Additional rooms will be made to accommodate a new community hub, enabling voluntary groups and members of the public to access information via the Internet.”
He added: “The work will be completed by April when there will be a big celebration. This should ensure that the community centre can continue to provide a service to the town for many years to come.”
“We are grateful to everyone who has made donations or raised funds. The project has received £150,000 from Viridor Credits Environmental through their Landfill Communities Fund.”
Burnham-On-Sea.com was first to report in May that the association had been awarded a £135,000 grant from Viridor’s Landfill Communities Fund – which has since been topped up to £150,000 – towards the cost of the scheme.
Mr Hindle added: “The centre is a valuable resource that’s home to 60 groups attracting more than 1,500 visitors every month. This building is the centre of the community for many people in Burnham.”
“This is one of the last surviving historical buildings in the town and part of Burnham’s history would be lost if it ever were to go.”
The centre dates back to 1837 and is currently used by groups whose subject matter ranges from arts and crafts to exercise and faith groups. It is also home to Burnham Model Railway Club.
