Priory Pools Community Centre (PPCC) has just had another major fundraising success towards their campaign to raise £2 million to build a new community centre in the Packmores Estate.

Warwickshire County Council has awarded it £300,000 from its Social Fabric Fund, taking the amount raised to over £1.6 million and a "massive step closer to reality".

PPCC has been working hard behind the scenes with local trusts over the last year to secure three-year funding for the new community centre in an overlooked area of Warwick.

Fundraisers have already secured £250,000 from Warwick District Council, £300,000 from King Henry VIII Endowed Trust, and other large contributions from The Warwick and Budbrooke Anglican Churches Charity, The Charity of Thomas Oken and Nicholas Eyffler, Warwick Relief in Need, Warwick United Charities, Warwick Provident Dispensary, 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust, and Warwick Rotary Club.

Janette Eslick, lead fundraiser for the project, explained how important it was to get this support from local trust and councils: "We have always felt that Priory Pools Community Centre was a once-in-a-generation project for Warwick.

"When we started speaking to local Trusts & organisations we realised they agreed, and it was amazing to see them all commit some significant funds over the next three years to play their part in making our Community Centre happen!

"We will be celebrating reaching our £1.5 million landmark at our Community Launch at Warwick Market on 29 March and hope everyone will join us to celebrate and find out how they can now play their part in raising the final funds we need.

"When Warwick works together, magic happens!"

PPCC is inviting local residents to join them in celebrating this achievement with a Saturday market with a difference on 29 March, kindly sponsored by 'Moore & Tibbits' Solicitors.

Live music will be running from 10am through to 3pm, with acts including 'Sambassadors of Groove', Spa Brass, Rock Choir, Plum Jerkin Morris Dancers, Spakulele and a teen band from 'Top of the Rock Tuition' and there will be loads of extra stalls and activities both in the Market Square and St Mary's Church.

Cllr John Holland, county Councillor for Warwick West, said: "Warwickshire County Council has long recognised the benefits of improving community facilities in the Packmores area and felt it was important to provide this significant investment in the new Priory Pools Community Centre, which will provide a sustainable base for local organisations to deliver vital services.

"This facility will greatly enhance community well-being and bring people together."

Since 2007 the Packmores community has received community support services from a repurposed laundry space at Sussex Court Flats.

But planning permission has now been signed off for the new site.

Located on the edge of Priory Park, the new centre will feature a large multi-purpose hall, meeting rooms, interview spaces, and a community café. It will replace the outdated Packmores Centre at Sussex Court, which no longer meets the needs of the local population.