THIS is the first glimpse of how Verwood's exciting new £2.5 million community centre will look.

Two halls - one seating 300 people - a stage, meeting rooms and a media suite are included in the plans for the building at Bakers Farm.

Space has also been allocated for a youth drop-in centre and town council offices.

East Dorset district councillors are due to discuss the design tomorrow and the proposals are expected to go before planners in April.

A consultative group, made up of town and district councillors, has been heavily involved in the project, which comes after several years of campaigning by residents who claimed the town was desperate for a new community building.

The scheme was beset by further delays when it was discovered there was a badgers' sett on the site which had to be relocated.

Head of technical services at EDDC Lindsay Cass said: "The consultative group is conscious of the outstanding opportunity that the development of a new community centre presents to the citizens of Verwood.

"It represents the single most important public building in the town. It is intended that the building should become the principal focal point for the community - a landmark that will be clearly recognisable."

Members will hear the two-storey centre will cater for a range of social and cultural activities including exhibitions, musical performances, private functions and meetings.

Verwood district councillor Lucy Clark welcomed the designs.

"They've made great use of the land and I'm sure the centre will look great. It's a very exciting time for the town," she said.

Once given the green light, it is hoped the building will be completed in around 15 months.

First published: Feb 1