WORK on a new building which will be at the heart of a Test Valley community has got under way.

The first part of the construction of a community centre for an 800-home estate in Romsey is now off the ground after community leaders joined developers for the turf-cutting ceremony.

Abbotswood Community Association trustees, local councillors and contractors marked the start of work to build a brand new community centre at Abbotswood.

The new facility is set to be completed next year and will include a large hall and kitchen as well as smaller rooms for other activities.

Chair of Abbotswood Community Association trustees, Rachel Wills, said: “We are really pleased that the project is now taking shape. There are now around 640 occupied houses on the development and residents are very keen to make use of a community facility.

“We can’t wait to furnish the centre to make it a fun and welcoming place for people to meet, make new friends and be part of a vibrant community.”

Trustees have been involved in the design and specification of the building from the start of the project, and once the building is complete, Test Valley Borough Council will lease the new centre to the trustees who will manage the venue and its bookings.

Romsey Extra Parish Council chairman Chris Wesson said: “The trustees are very enthusiastic about it.

“They know that once they get the hall together it’s going to have everything you would expect it to have.

"I’m sure they’re all overjoyed, it’s a very exciting time for them.”

Test Valley Borough Council’s portfolio holder for community and leisure, CllrCouncillor Tony Ward, added: “The new community centre will be a fantastic venue for local groups and clubs for a range of activities.

“The building forms part of a wider plan to increase the number of amenities that are available to local residents.

"Over the coming years, Abbotswood residents will be able to make use of a convenience store, day nursery, public house, GP or dental practice and commercial unitsso it is great to see the first steps being made.”

Rob Acheson, director for the main contractor, Acheson Construction Ltd, who are building the centre, said: “I’m delighted to be involved in this community scheme which will benefit local residents for years to come.”