Funding dries up for Whitchurch Civic Centre revamp
An extraordinary meeting has been called to discuss the next step for the £1.6 million renovation of Whitchurch Civic Centre – after project leaders admitted they had secured less than half of the cash needed.
Members of Whitchurch Town Council will meet on Thursday in the centre, in High Street, to discuss refurbishment works to the inside and outside of the building.
Back in November councillors approved a three-phase scheme to redevelop the 1970s building after viewing artist's impressions.
Planned work includes improvements to the facade and internal alterations to create a more welcoming foyer.
There were also plans to improve interior decoration to the main hall and market hall, together with the replacement of heating, lighting and ventilation systems.
Phase one of the revamp is expected to cost £684,000, but project leaders have admitted there is no funding in place to deliver phase two.
Now plans are being drawn up to apply for grants from bodies including the National Lottery.
It is believed Thursday's meeting is being held to discuss ways of funding the phases.
Councillor Rob Hewson, mayor of Whitchurch, said: "The meeting is being held to discuss the civic centre refurbishment.
"We want to see what we can do ourselves to help the project. It's not a closed meeting so if people want to know more than can come along."
Councillor John Sinnott said: "We are going to be talking about what happens with the rest of the building. There is no point painting the outside of your house if you're not going to paint the inside."
Neil Willcox, commissioning manager for Shropshire Council and project manager for the Civic Centre revamp,said it is hoped a contractor for the first phase of work will be appointed in August.
The extraordinary meeting will begin at 6.15pm on Thursday. It will be open to the public to attend.