An outdated day centre has been transformed into a new £1.9million community hub, which will become a focal point of Billericay.

The Chantry Centre will help residents and clubs return to some form of normality when lockdown restrictions are lifted.

Replacing the old Chantry Way Day Centre, it has a large function hall with a kitchen area which will provide indoor space for theatre, cinema clubs and a string of other events.

The centre - which was a year-long project involving property and construction consultancy firm Ingleton Wood and builders A W Hardy - is also the new home of Billericay Town Council, and now has high specification conference rooms for hire.

Paul Cavalier, from Ingleton Wood, hopes the new community hub will help residents after the pandemic.

He said: “We are thrilled to have delivered this exciting and innovative project, despite the challenges posed by Covid.

“We’re convinced it will prove to become a vital space for the community once it is permitted to re-open following lockdown.

“The original council building was very old and outdated, and our goal was to make the Chantry Centre an instantly recognisable, safe and welcoming hub for the community – one which stands out in the area.

“The building has presence throughout, with large glazing units visible from the outside and a community hall which has doubled in height.

“The building is now an exciting space that can be used by all Billericay residents and visitors.”

The Chantry Centre is set to re-open in line with the Government’s roadmap from lockdown.

It’s completion is seen as a major milestone for Billericay Town Council providing new offices.

Deborah Tonkiss, town clerk, said: “With the completion of the building, we move into an exciting new phase for the town council as it gains its first permanent home since its formation in 1996.

“The new office, meeting rooms and hall will provide significant opportunities not only for the town council but for all of its residents both current and the next generation.”