Work has started again on a new £1.8m community centre - quashing any fears that the project could be in jeopardy after its main contractor went into administration.

Easton Parish Council confirmed the scheme was six weeks behind schedule but said it hopes the centre will be completed before the end of the year. 

Norwich Evening News: An artist's impression of Easton Community CentreAn artist's impression of Easton Community Centre (Image: WT Design Ltd)

"KMC Civil Engineering Ltd and SIP Build UK are doing a fantastic job on the groundworks and creating the building shell," said Peter Milliken, vice chair of Easton Parish Council.

"We will soon go out to tender for a contractor to complete the remaining work and we know that the community are looking forward to being able to use this wonderful building and community resource once complete."

Construction work began on the new community centre, near the Norfolk Showground and the A47, in February.

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Norwich Evening News: Work has restarted on the Easton Community CentreWork has restarted on the Easton Community Centre (Image: Denise Bradley)

Planning permission was granted last September and the building was originally expected to be completed in October of this year.

But construction halted last month when its main contractor went into administration.

Cllr Milliken described the news as "desperately disappointing", but added: "While it will inevitably result in a delay to the building of the new community centre, we are working extremely hard with our advisors and our solicitors to move the project forward with a new main contractor - and ensure that we are building again very quickly and delivering this wonderful new facility."

Norwich Evening News: Peter Milliken, vice chair of Easton Parish CouncilPeter Milliken, vice chair of Easton Parish Council (Image: Newsquest)

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When finished, the site will include a sports hall, suitable for activities including badminton, bowls, gymnastics, martial arts, concerts, dances, meetings and cinema.

It will also include a clerk’s office, a lounge and meeting area, a lending library as well as changing rooms and toilets and is being built with sustainability in mind.

It will also serve as a resilience centre that will provide 24-hour blue light access where emergency services can charge their electric vehicles and use the facilities, making the most of the proximity to the A47 and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Norwich Evening News: Work has restarted on the new community centre in EastonWork has restarted on the new community centre in Easton (Image: Denise Bradley/Newsquest)