Groundbreaking ceremony for Whitnash Civic Centre and Library

Pictured from left to right: Martin Gallagher (Managing Director Deeley Construction), Councillor Judy Falp (Whitnash Town Council), Councillor Tony Heath (Whitnash Town Council), Councillor Pam Redford (Vice-Chairman Warwick District Council), Councillor Andrew Day (Leader, Warwick District Council).

The event, which took place yesterday (Monday Octboer 19) was led by Whitnash Town Council, along with representatives from project partners Warwick District Council, Warwickshire County Council and contractors Deeley Construction.

The £2.2 million community hub is expected to be completed by summer 2021 and will include a multi-use sports hall, library, community café, meeting room and offices for the town council.

The scheme is being funded through a £1million grant and further contributions of £900k from Warwick District Council, a £150k Sport England grant with the library receiving £154k from Warwickshire Country Council. An additional £20k for external elements such as landscaping, parking, electric vehicle charging points and bike racks was raised through a local crowdfunding campaign with the remaining costs covered by a public works loan of £250k taken by the Town Council.

An artist's impression of the Civic Centre and Library provided by construction consultancy Baily Garner.

District and Town Councillor for Whitnash, Councillor Tony Heath said: "A Civic Centre and Library on Acre Close has been a priority for our local community since it was identified by public consultation in our Neighbourhood Plan.

"I am therefore very pleased that thanks to support from Warwick District Council, Warwickshire County Council and the efforts of local businesses and residents, this vital multi-functional facility will soon be up and running for the benefit of everyone in our town.”

Warwick District Council leader, Cllr Andrew Day added: “The great town of Whitnash deserves nothing less than a strong community hub.

"As work begins on this historic project, we also celebrate what can be achieved when we come together and focus on the needs of our community.

"This major investment is built on years of hard work to create a modern civic centre and library fit for the future of this growing and changing town.

"When completed next year, the centre will I'm sure, not only bring benefits to local residents, but provide new jobs and confidence at a critical time for our district."

Councillor Kam Kaur, Warwickshire County Council’s portfolio holder for customer and transformation, also said: “We have worked closely with our town and district council partners to fund and develop this project, so it is wonderful to see that work has now started.

"We are looking forward to our library service becoming a key part of a vibrant hub of activity for the community, bringing together a number of local services in a central location in Whitnash.”