Expected completion date of new Banbury community centre revealed as contractor appointed

Cherwell District Council has awarded the contract to rebuild The Hill Youth and Community Centre in Bretch Hill to Edgar Taylor (Buckingham) Ltd.

The demolition of the old community centre was completed in early September so the site is ready for the new building - after years of waiting for the redevelopment.

Cllr Lynn Pratt, the council's lead member for economy, regeneration and property, said: “I know local residents will have been pleased after earlier delays to see the demolition work completed recently.

"Now we’ve chosen local builders, who’ll be on site by the end of November, no-one should be in any doubt that the new community centre is finally on the way.”

Work on developing the new Hill community centre will start ‘behind the scenes’ from the contract date and the construction is expected to start on site towards the end of November, a council spokesman said.

They added that the contractor is 'aiming to have the new centre completed during autumn 2019' and a stakeholder reference group has been set up to represent the interests of the community and those providing funding for the new centre.

Leader of the opposition at the council, Cllr Sean Woodcock, said: “It is really positive news that at long last, after five years, the issues at The Hill are about to be addressed.

"Users, staff and nearby residents will be sceptical until they see the building open and in use.

"But hopefully this long road is nearing an end. I am very proud of the work that Labour councillors have done in forcing the council to get this sorted.”