Birchmeadow Centre in Broseley benefits from council funding

The Birchmeadow Centre in Broseley has received a major boost after being awarded £45,000 under Shropshire Council’s Market Towns Revitalisation Programme (MTRP).

This is being match funded and used to carry out internal alterations to the back bar area off the main hall, following an extension to the stage area which was completed last year by Broseley Town Council.

The £86,000 project started on Monday 9 January 2012 and is due for completion in early April 2012.

When complete, the new facility will include a vibrant café/bar, kitchen, terrace and seating area which will provide more options for hiring out the centre and will be developed to provide training and employment opportunities for local young people.  

The café will have glass doors opening onto an area with impressive views over the Ironbridge Gorge and the newly redeveloped Birchmeadow Park, which is a major attraction for local people.  The new area will be multi-purpose, giving flexibility to suit different user groups; it will also double up as an Internet café.

Councillor John Hurst-Knight, Shropshire Council’s deputy Cabinet member, said:

“In these difficult economic times it is vital that we continue to support and invest in our market towns and rural communities.  I’m delighted that this funding has been awarded to Birchmeadow Centre.  I’m sure everyone will welcome the essential improvements to the centre which will offer something for everyone.”

Jean Jones, Shropshire Councillor for Broseley, said:

“I am delighted that Broseley’s Community Centre has been awarded £45,000 from the MTRP.  The Birchmeadow Centre is used extensively by a range of local groups and is also developing into an important venue for music and the arts. 

“Numerous consultation activities have taken place over the years to determine what the community needs and wants from the centre, and councillors and volunteers are working towards that provision.

“This project will result in a more modern and appealing facility and should encourage greater use of the centre by existing groups as well as attracting new users.  This is a welcome improvement of an important local facility.”

The £500,000 Market Towns Capital Initiative Fund is part of Shropshire Council’s MTRP, which aims to regenerate and renew the economy, environment and social vitality of the county’s towns.