A REDDITCH charity has launched an ambitious £1.9 million appeal to build a state-of-the-art training and resource centre in the heart of the town.

Where Next Association wants to turn its base in Wellesbourne Close, off Easemore Road, into a massive, modern complex which would also offer facilities for community use.

Set up in 1984, the association provides people with special needs the chance to learn life and employment skills.

The new, eco-friendly centre would include more than 3,000 sq ft of retail garden centre open to the public six days a week where there would be displays of plants and furniture, all grown or produced by the trainees.

There would also be a new cafe with seating for up to 50 people and a main reception area with space for exhibitions and displays.

Designed by Nigel Lomas, of Redditch architects BBLB, the scheme also includes starter business units and IT suite, as well as various rooms for hire by groups and clubs and use by charities such as Age Concern, HomeStart and Redditch Talking Newspaper.

The complex would be crowned by a 1,300 sq ft conference centre.

Unveiled to town business leaders on Thursday, the appeal is expected to last three years.

It was also announced at the launch the appeal had been kicked-off with a £10,000 grant from the Margaret Dobson Charitable Trust.

The next step in the fundraising campaign is a Buy a Brick for £1 scheme.

And anyone who donates £10 or more will have their names entered in a special Book of Appreciation, which will be displayed in the new resource centre.

A spokesman said: "Every brick donated is one more toward a new community centre and helping local people with learning difficulties to lead a fuller life."

Where Next general manager Graham Clark said: "This is a hugely exciting time for everyone involved with our charity.

"There is a great deal of hard work ahead of us but while looking to the future, we must also keep sight of the fact that we must continue to operate as we always have in the meantime.

"We can be excited about the growth of our facility without losing sight of the personal aspects of the help we provide."