Construction has officially commenced on Braintree District Council’s new multi-million-pound community centre in Witham.

Councillors joined representatives from construction firm SEH French and design consultancy Ingleton Wood at the site on Haygreen Road to mark the start of the project, which aims to deliver a modern, flexible social space for local residents.

The facility will feature a mixed-use hall, kitchen, bar area, and changing rooms to support sports teams using the neighbouring football pitch. The centre is designed to accommodate a variety of community needs, including sports, meetings, social clubs, and other activities.

Braintree District Council is investing £4 million in the project, with £2.27 million coming directly from the Council and the remaining £1.77 million funded through developer contributions secured during the planning process.

Cllr Kevin Bowers, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance at Braintree District Council, said: "This investment will provide residents with a modern, accessible space to enjoy a wide range of social activities.

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"We'd like to thank our design consultants Ingleton Wood and the rest of our professional team for their work in getting the project to this stage, and we’re pleased to be working with SEH French, a company with a proven track record in delivery and high-quality construction.

"Through our joined-up approach with Witham Town Council, this project will undoubtedly enhance community life and create opportunities for people to come together for many years to come."

Stephen Brundell, Site Manager for SEH French, also expressed enthusiasm about the project, said: "It is great to support Braintree District Council in providing local residents with such an important community resource.

"This new centre, complete with modern amenities and sports facilities, will serve the Witham community for years to come – from sports teams to social clubs. Community projects such as these are hugely rewarding to be involved in and we look forward to handing over the keys to the new centre once construction is completed."

Andrew Collett, Director & Architect at Ingleton Wood, added: "Ingleton Wood are pleased to see this important project for Braintree District Council and Witham Town Council moving forward to deliver a much-needed facility for the community of Witham.

"Ingleton Wood have been involved since the inception of this project and have provided architectural, planning, building services, structural/civil, and project management services to facilitate the successful planning approval on behalf of Braintree District Council.

"Working alongside SEH French, the detailed design phases have been concluded, and we are delighted to help bring this project to life and deliver this exciting development for Witham and the wider community."