TRUSTEES of a community hall in Highbridge have revealed their plans to transform it into a ‘community hub’ for residents.

The group’s £1.5million plan would see the Morland Community Hall in Pearce Drive torn down and replaced with an eco-friendly, energy efficient building equipped with modern facilities.

Roger Keen, chairman of the hall’s trustees, said the building was only meant to be a temporary fixture in the town and it needs to be redeveloped as it has fallen into a state of disrepair.

He said: “ It (the Morland Hall) has recently started showing its age with a leaking roof, poor insulation and an ageing decor.

“We have looked at the costs of maintaining the hall and making repairs to it but we decided that knocking it down and introducing a new, modern building would be the best option for the Highbridge community.

“The proposed building will be energy efficient and eco-friendly and will fully meet the demands of local community groups.

“Our vision is to build a two storey building that will include a large function room for conferences and events, a large modern kitchen and toilets with a lift which would lead up to a cafe on the second floor which will look out onto the lake.

“There will also be a wing for the popular Highbridge Men’s Shed group which currently operates out of the hall.”

Mr Keen said the plans have won the support of residents as well as Highbridge MP James Heappey and a website and Facebook page for the project will be launched in the next few weeks.

He added: “It will be a centre of excellence for the community and will be equipped with the latest technology including a pull-out stage for performances and ceiling mounted projector and a large screen.

“The cost of the project will be between £1.3m and £1.5m but we are expecting to get funding from various grant funding schemes.

“We want to aim high and go for the best facilities for Highbridge.”

The trustees said they are keen for more people to come back and use the hall and would like residents to have their say on the new hall’s facilities.

For more information or to share your views contact Roger Keen at roger_keen@hotmail.com.