14/12/09 - England star kicks off building of £1m centre

The community centre is expected to open in early 2011 with the elderly care homes following in April 2011. Mr Banks, who lives nearby, joined scores of villagers yesterday to celebrate the success of residents’ long-term fight to find a new use for the former village hall and scout hut.

Mr Banks said: “I think it will be a wonderful asset for the village. There will be facilities for the old and the young right next to each other.”

Residents began work on the project more than 10 years ago. They formed steering group, The Madeley Community Development Project group in 2004, which now has more than 100 members.

Roger Goodwin, development group chairman, aged 61, of Vicarage Lane, Madeley, said: “After many years of working and planning the development for this site, we are delighted that work is finally underway. It will bring together the old, young, leisure and health, information and education services all under one roof.”

The community complex will have solar panels, a ground source heat pump and a ‘green’ roof. Facilities will include a café, and advice centre, a children’s centre, outreach health work, and a range of rooms to be used by community organizations.

Glen Schofield, Housing Director for Thomas Vale Construction said: “The extra care facility for the over 55s and the children’s centre will be next door to one another. This will help to renew community spirit in the area whilst improving local facilities.”

The centre will be accessible from the extra care scheme, being built by Thomas Vale Construction and Housing 21, which will enable over-55s to live independently, whilst having access to care and support services. The apartments will be available for rent and shared ownership.