A COMMUNITY centre in Welland Park providing changing rooms, meeting facilities and business accommodation could be open by next year.

The Welland Community Centre, which would have a cafe as well, is currently at the consultation stage.

It has been the dream of members of Harborough Improvement Team (HIT) to create the community centre since 2006.

Partners involved in developing the project include HIT, Self Unlimited, Harborough District Council and Leicestershire County Council.

A consultation event was held at the Market Hall on Tuesday where details were provided about the centre.

It is proposed the centre will be available for community activitieses which would include events, meetings, sport and leisure.

It will also provide employment and training for disabled people from Self Unlimited.

Once completed it is proposed that the centre will be a flexible multi purpose building which will provide a space for meetings, events and functions, conference and banqueting facilities, hireable changing rooms and possible office space for community and voluntary services.

It is also proposed the centre could provide accommodation for civil wedding services and receptions.

Martin Hill, chair of HIT, said: “I think this is an exciting project with the potential to develop an attractive building and sustainable businesses in Welland Park that benefits all of the community.”

Once the feasibility study and community consultation have taken place it is proposed that building work will be completed next year provided the funding of up to £1million can be obtained.

There has been criticism of the centre however.

In a letter to the Mail, Janet Gee, said: “The proposed meeting rooms, banqueting suite etc. may be nice in theory but in the wrong place and arguably not needed anyway. How often are banquets held in Harborough?

“Excellent and more accessible facilities already exist at The Three Swans.

“I am not against development per se - I am against unnecessary development, development in the wrong place and development we can’t afford.”

Another consultation is happening on Wednesday at Welland Park Cafe from 10am until 4pm.