Warwick's new community centre has nearly reached its fundraising target, with over £2million already raised.

The Priory Pools Community Centre has received £2.25 million in donations, just shy off its £2.5 million target as it prepares to start construction this autumn.

The charity has secured a £100,000 grant from The Clothworkers' Foundation alongside raising £25k from their recent Aviva Crowdfunding appeal, taking the total raised for the project to £2.25 million. This latest funding means the project can now move confidently into the construction phase, with work expected to begin this autumn, subject to final approvals, while they continue to raise the final funds.

The charity has also completed its competitive tender process and is delighted to announce that Harrabin Construction Ltd has been appointed as the main contractor for the new Community Centre.

Based locally in Warwickshire, Harrabin has an excellent reputation for delivering high-quality construction projects across the region. With decades of experience working on education, community, commercial and public sector developments, the company brings a wealth of expertise to what will become a landmark project for the Packmores community.

Amanda Burford, Chair of Priory Pools Community Centre, said: "This is a landmark moment for Packmores and one that our community has worked towards for many years. Thanks to the incredible support of our funders, partners, local businesses and residents, we're now seeing our vision become a reality. Appointing Harrabin Construction and preparing to start building is a huge milestone, but we're not finished yet. We still need to raise the final £250,000 to complete the fit-out, and I'd encourage everyone to come along to the Packmores Fun Day on 15th August to meet the builder, chat to our trustees and see how, together, we're creating a lasting community hub for generations to come."

Preparatory works are already underway, with the former garages on Lyttelton Road recently demolished and the site cleared ready for construction to begin once final permits are in place.

The new Community Centre will provide a modern, purpose-built facility, creating opportunities for community clubs & activities, health and wellbeing programmes, youth provision, support services, training, events and social enterprise, with a community cafe at the heart of the centre.

The fundraising campaign, however, is not over. PPCC continues to raise the remaining £250,000 needed to complete the internal fit-out and ensure the building opens fully equipped for the community it will serve.

Janette Eslick, Trustee of Priory Pools Community Centre, added: "We are incredibly grateful to The Clothworkers' Foundation for their generous £100,000 grant. And to everyone who supported our Aviva Crowdfunder, whether you donated £5, £250, offered a reward, or helped spread the word, together you raised £25k!

"Reaching £2.25 million means we can now move forward with confidence and appoint our contractor, but we will continue to work hard over the next 12 months to raise the final funds that we need to complete the internal fit-out. Donations can still be made via our website, or do get in touch if you would like to support our fundraising."

Residents are invited to find out more at the Packmores Fun Day on Saturday 15 August, organised by the current Packmores Community Centre. They will be able to meet representatives from Harrabin Construction, chat with the PPCC Trustees and learn more about the exciting next steps, what the new Community Centre will offer and how they can get involved.

Over the next 12 months, plans will be made for all services currently run from the 'Packmores Community Centre' to be transitioned over to the new Priory Pools Community Centre - the new home for the Packmores Community in 2027.

For more information on how to support the Priory Pools Community Centre please visit here or visit the Facebook page here.