PLANS TO build a new Community Hub and changing rooms on the site of a cricket ground near Worcester have begun to take shape.

Worcester Norton Community Interest Company has secured a 40-year lease from Worcester Norton Sports Club to construct a new community hub and changing rooms on a new site.

Worcester Norton Cricket Club will be the resident club of the new site, as well as the croquet club, and will continue to use the facilities alongside the wider community.

The build is part of proposed changes to the ground's facilities, which will be carried out by construction company Speller Metcalfe.

Residents have been volunteering with the first stages of the plans, with the back bar, the wall between the kitchen and meeting room demolished, as well as the roof of the changing rooms.

Kevin Fincher, chairman of Norton Parish Council and of Worcester Norton Community Interest Company, revealed work is expected to be completed in June.

"Worcester Norton Community Interest Company (WNCIC) has secured a 40 lease from Worcester Norton Sports Club Limited (WNSC Ltd) and has instructed Spellar Metcalfe to conduct the work to transform the Grade II Listed (by curtilage) buildings into a modern community hub and cricket changing rooms," he said.

"The work is expected to last for 21 weeks, completing in mid-June and it is hoped that the volunteer-led, newly named 'Sergeants Mess' will reopen soon after."

Mr Fincher stressed the importance of the project for the Norton community with lots of people willing to pitch in and offer their time for free.

He said: "The Littleworth and Hatfield area of Norton-juxta-Kempsey Parish has for a long time had Norton Parish Hall as a community hub, whereas the Brockhill area of the parish has not had a similar facility; this will provide that facility within the heart of that community." 

"The level of local support being generated can be measured by the numbers of local volunteers we already have engaged in supporting the rejuvenation and wanting to be involved in running it once it has been finished.  Very much as Norton Parish Hall is run, it will be volunteer-led, by the community for the community."