CONSTRUCTION is due to begin on a flagship community learning centre in Hereford.

Building work will start this month on the new Riverside Centre, funded by the Learning and Skills Council Herefordshire and Worcestershire Adult and Community Learning Capital Fund.

The new centre is just half-a-mile from the city centre, on the site of the Women's Royal Voluntary Services (WRVS) Community Centre, which is being rebuilt and renovated.

Due for completion in April 2004, the Riverside Centre will provide a wider Adult and Community Learning (ACL) curriculum than has been possible to date, due to the dedicated facilities it will provide.

The centre will be fully accessible and its design will take advantage of views over the River Wye.

In addition to the WRVS Adult Community Learning Centre, it will also contain the Fourways Children's Centre, a community caf, common and meeting rooms, a dedicated reception, hairdressing and treatment rooms plus IT suites.