A MAJOR revamp of a Victorian community centre has reached a key stage.

Supporters of Framwellgate Moor Community Centre, in Durham City, are celebrating after £220,000-worth of essential repairs to the roof, pipes, gutters, brickwork, heating and wiring was completed.

A further £51,000-worth of improvements to the double glazing, insulation and kitchen have now begun, which will mean visitors and users have access to catering facilities for the first time in some years.

Meanwhile, planning permission has been granted for a two-stage redevelopment of the building, costing a total of £1.2m.

This would see the building transformed with an internet cafe, meeting rooms, three halls, a cafe, a children’s play area and a glass frontage.

However, funding for such major work is still to be raised.

The facility had been threatened with closure in 2011, but the community association reached a deal with Durham County Council to take over running the 1877-built former schoolhouse early last year.

Chairman Colin Hillary said: “We’re absolutely delighted with what has been achieved so far, the public were overwhelmingly in favour of the changes.

“We’re delighted that we have secured an historic building, with a relevant purpose in the future of our community, for all ages.

“We are now looking forward to beginning the fund raising process to further develop the centre and bring our community’s dreams to reality.”

The centre hosts 30 activity groups each week, from Tai Chi to Bridge and keep fit.

For more information on the centre, call 0191-386-3356 between 9am and 1pm, email: framwellgatecommunity@btconnect.com or visit facebook.com/framwellgatemoorcc