Aylesbury’s Ex-Services Club has received a major boost, following the completion of its new clubhouse in Walton Street.

Councillor Netta Glover, Chairman of Aylesbury Vale District Council recently opened the two-storey building.

The improved clubhouse, provided by developers Crest Nicholson (Chiltern) Ltd, is part of a major building programme in Walton Street, which will also lead to the provision of a multi-storey car park and modern town centre housing.

The 525-space car park will be built mainly on the site of the old Ex-Services Club, which is about 50 years from the new clubhouse, and will mark the first phase of Aylesbury Vale District Council’s Waterside scheme. The car park is expected to open in autumn 2008 and work on its construction, which will commence shortly.

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The Waterside scheme will also create a brand new shopping area in Exchange Street, which will include a department and food store as well as housing developments along the banks of the canal and at Circus Field.

In addition to a new car park, Viridian Square, Crest Nicholson’s £35 million project in Walton Street, will provide 214 new apartments, including 24 affordable homes. Arranged around a beautifully landscaped communal courtyard garden, the development will echo a traditional London square and is expected to be completed in 2009.

Councillor John Cartwright, leader of Aylesbury Vale District Council, said: "The construction of the new, modern clubhouse is a fitting complement to the excellent efforts of the Ex-Service’s Club in providing a positive outlet for the energies of the ex-servicemen and women in Aylesbury. The opening of the clubhouse will allow work to start on a new multi-storey car park which will provide the extra parking spaces needed when the town centre redevelopment is fully underway.

"This is another important milestone in the Waterside scheme and I’m very pleased that the project is moving forward on schedule."

Since it was launched in 1967, the club has grown from small beginnings to become one of Aylesbury’s largest clubs with nearly 1,000 members. It provides facilities for a number of services, including the Royal British Legion, Royal Naval Association and the Royal Green Jackets.

(JM)