A TWO-million-pound community and sports centre is to be built in a village outside Worcester.

Malvern Hills District Council has approved a grant of more than £1.73 million for the new centre in Kempsey, the largest amount MHDC has ever awarded for such a project.

The proposed centre, at the end of Pixham Ferry Lane, will include sports pitches and recreational spaces and could one day feature a trim trail and skate park.

Councillor Chris Waller, chairman of Kempsey Parish Council, said: “It has been a long process to find a suitable site, acquire the land and now secure the funding to deliver the new Community and Sports Centre first identified by parishioners as a priority in 2014.

“We will be working hard to bring the site into use at the earliest opportunity including consulting with the community on the final design of the facilities”.

Malvern Gazette: The new centre could one day feature a skate park, trim trail, sports pitches and a cafeThe new centre could one day feature a skate park, trim trail, sports pitches and a cafe

The Parish Council secured a conditional approval for a maximum Section 106 grant of £1,739,452, with MHDC securing this funding through developer contributions linked to housing developments across the Kempsey community.

The grant is the largest amount the MHDC has ever awarded to support the development of public open space and community facilities anywhere within the Malvern Hills district.

The money will enable phase one of the project which includes sport pitches, changing rooms, a community space, a car park, and storage areas.

The wider masterplan envisages a kitchen/café, office space, a play area, and two large community spaces for meetings, indoor activities, and events.

Plans for a skate park, pump track, and trim trail are also under consideration.

The parish council is also working with partners to develop the wildlife potential of the site.

In total, the project is expected to cost £2.1 million.

Councillor David Harrison, portfolio holder for Planning, Infrastructure and Flooding at MHDC, and Kempsey Ward member, said: “This huge investment in Kempsey’s community infrastructure supports Malvern Hills District Council’s Five Year Plan priority to invest in new open space provision, play areas, playing pitches and community facilities.

“It will be a wonderful addition to the area and we will work with Kempsey Parish Council to help make it a reality.

“I would like to thank all the staff at Malvern Hills for their support and dedication to get this application for funding ‘over the line’”.

Malvern Gazette: In total, the project is expected to cost around £2.1 millionIn total, the project is expected to cost around £2.1 million

Councillor John Michael, ward member for Kempsey, added: “These ambitious plans will bring new opportunities for residents of all ages within Kempsey.

“It will provide a space for the community to come together for various activities and events. It is great to see such investment in the area”.

Other parish councils wishing to discuss opportunities to access Section 106 funding are asked to contact community infrastructure and development manager, Mark Hammond, via mark.hammond@malvernhills.gov.uk.