Christmas is the ambitious target set to open a community centre in a Colchester neighbourhood.

Old Heath is the only area of town not to have a community facility but plans to construct a centre are making progress, with the Old Heath task force leading the way.

Colchester Council-owned land at the junction of D'arcy Road and Old Heath Road has been earmarked for community use, with debate about how best to bring it into use.

John Buchanan, chairman of the task force, said: "We've been working with a developer to look at giving them the land to build housing, if they also put up a community centre.

"They are keen on working with us but, in the interests of fair play, we are putting it out to tender to see if any other developers are interested."

Building firms have until the end of the month to express interest in the project. "We would love to see a community centre open by Christmas but that's very optimistic," said Mr Buchanan.

"Theoretically, it's possible if there are no major issues with the planning process or contamination on the land."

Published Monday, February 14, 2005

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