Planning permission has been granted for the Priory Pools Community Centre, a "vital project" set to provide a dedicated community space for residents of the Packmores Estate and nearby areas west of Warwick town centre.

This achievement marks the culmination of campaigning by the local community, most notably the Packmores Residents Association and The Gap, with the support of the local councils.

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 It will replace the outdated Packmores Centre at Sussex Court, which no longer meets the needs of the local population.

Amanda Burford, chair of the Priory Pools Community Centre charity, hailed the planning approval as a turning point having spoken about the project at the planning committee.

"It hasn't been easy - years of hard work have gone into this project before residents like us got involved," she said.

"But I genuinely believe every estate, including ours, deserves a place to come together.

"A space for all ages to hang out, connect socially, and access vital services—whether it's NHS support, advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau, mental health resources, or so much more.

"I won't rest until we get what every other community has—a place to thrive together. Getting planning is a massive step forward!"

Warwick District Council and Warwickshire County Council have long recognised the benefits of improving community facilities in the area, with £250,000 of funding earmarked from the district council to support the scheme along with a long-term lease on the land.

Cllr Jim Sinnott, portfolio holder communities & leisure at Warwick District Council commented: "We're delighted to see this project move forward after years of dedicated campaigning by residents.

"The new Priory Pools Community Centre will provide a sustainable base for local organisations to deliver vital services. This facility will greatly enhance community wellbeing and bring people together."

The Priory Pools Community Centre charity, established to lead the project, has already received backing from local councils and funding organisations, and is supported by local councillors. However, additional support will be needed to bring the vision to life.

Janette Eslick, lead fundraiser for the project, emphasised the importance of community involvement: "Securing planning permission is a huge step forward, and we are now busy planning a big launch event in Warwick in March '25 to start raising the final funds we need to hopefully start building in 2026.

"We will reveal more in January about how you can get involved and hope everyone in Warwick will play their part in making this a reality!"

The new centre is designed to meet a variety of needs. Its spacious hall will host events and activities, while dedicated rooms will provide space for support services and group activities. The community café will offer a welcoming environment for residents to socialise and connect.

For more information on how to support the Priory Pools Community Centre or to get involved in the fundraising campaign, visit: www.priorypoolscc.org or www.facebook.com/PrioryPoolsCommunityCentre