PROPOSALS have been made to build a community centre and shop with commercial kitchen, community room, offices and counselling room in County Durham.

The site at was was 77 Main Street, Shildon, which was previously owned by Barrier Surveillance, has been cleared of its original building to make way for the new development.

The proposed community centre will be operated by the local charity Shildon Alive and will provide vital community services to the area.

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The community centre will be a two-storey building, with the ground floor housing a community centre, office space, a disabled WC, a community shop and food bank, and a commercial kitchen. The first floor will include a community room and a flexible room that will be used for community-driven activities.

In addition to these facilities, the proposed development will also feature a deliveries area that incorporates a large walk-in fridge and freezer. The first floor will also have a small counselling room.