WORKS are set to begin at a community centre on Canvey ahead of a six-month £1.5million refurbishment project.

Urgent repairs are need at The Paddocks, on Long Road, Canvey, so the 1970s building can remain open to public and continue to be used by community groups.

Back in December 2023, in a Cabinet meeting, councillors agreed to invest £1.5m in the centre. 

It will include improvements to both the interior and exterior as well as upgrading electrics, heating, lighting and ventilation systems.

It is anticipated that the centre will open its doors again in late September 2024.

Works are now set to begin as scaffolding and fencing will begin to go up around community centre next week 

On Monday, Castle Point Council will hand over the keys to contractors as eight months of renovations get underway.

Dave Blackwell, Leader of Castle Point Council, said: “The start of this work is very welcome.

“The Council has worked closely with contractors to ensure that disruption and noise is kept to a minimum while the renovations are under way.

“We have also ensured the work is carried out in the most efficient manner, meaning the centre will be closed for as short a time as possible.”

It is anticipated that the centre will open its doors again in late September 2024.