DESIGNS for a new �1.5m community centre in Bungay have been unveiled in advance of a public exhibition.Campaigners who have tried for 15 years to replace the outdated building in Upper Olland Street with a new centre urged residents to help turn the plan into a reality.

DESIGNS for a new �1.5m community centre in Bungay have been unveiled in advance of a public exhibition.

Campaigners who have tried for 15 years to replace the outdated building in Upper Olland Street with a new centre urged residents to help turn the plan into a reality.

The scheme would create a one-stop centre for a variety of public services including combined offices for Waveney and Suffolk councils, adult education and youth services, the Beehive Nursery, business units and a caf�.

David Wuyts, chairman of the community centre management committee when moves were first made in 1994 to replace the present centre, hailed the design as “absolutely brilliant.”

He added: “We have had so many goes at this and so many people giving us advice, but this time I am delighted with this result. Let's hope we can now get it built.”

But Mr Wuyts said the people of Bungay needed to come forward with their views, as previous efforts had failed partly because few people attended public exhibitions.

“The whole thing is marvellous,” he said. “So much has moved in Bungay since the present centre was established, and the site is now virtually at the centre as far as the population is concerned.”

Bungay Community Centre Steering Group obtained funding so they could undertake a more detailed feasibility study.

If approved, the centre, which is envisaged being built on the old grammar school field, could be open within two years.

The public exhibition is at the Fisher Theatre in Bungay on Tuesday, February 24 between 3pm and 8pm. A short presentation will be given at 4pm and 7pm.

Between February 20 and 27 people will also be able to see plans at Waveney District Council Local Office on Broad Street, the Community Centre on Upper Olland Street and the Health Centre in St. John's Road, all in Bungay.