Community hub for former Melbourn cop shop?

VILLAGERS’ views are being sought as a parish council makes plans to build a �500,000 community hub on the site of a former police station.

The project could see Melbourn’s vacant High Street police base transformed into a common central site – possibly hosting a library access point, small group meeting rooms, communal computer facilities and an informal coffee room.

A survey in 2010 revealed a central hub for the village was high on residents’ wish lists and Melbourn Parish Council is currently consulting on the project.

Donald Mowatt, chairman of Melbourn Parish Council said: “There is only one word that best describes how I feel about the prospect of Melbourn having its very own village hub – delighted. I am certain future generations will look back on our endeavours and applaud our boldness as we sought to further harness Melbourn’s great potential in order to more readily satisfy the growing and future needs of our community.”

The opportunity to build the hub comes as Iceni Homes prepares to develop the site for housing.

A consultation period will close at 4pm on Friday, October 7, and the council will then assess its position.

The authority has set aside �250,000 for the project but the remaining cash would have to come from grant funding.

If no grants can be secured the remaining capital would have to be found from a public works loan and would be repayed over 25 years.

A public meeting for residents is scheldued for November 1 for villagers to view plans of the housing development and hub.