A Meir Heath company has helped complete a £750,000 community facility in Audlem.
Family-run business Target Windows worked with Sneyd Building Contractors to supply windows and doors for the project, which saw an annex created to enhance the Public Hall in the village.
The Annexe is designed to complement the hall, and will provide: lounge and dining facilities for senior citizens; a dedicated space for a new youth club; storage and dressing rooms for the 5A’s drama group; changing rooms for Audlem FC senior and Audlem Saints junior footballers, cycling and other sports.
There will be a community-run fitness room equipped with treadmills, a rowing machine and exercise bikes, and a small kitchen and medical room, along with a multipurpose small hall suitable for meetings and functions.
Guy Basnett, director of Target Windows, said: “We’re so pleased to have been involved with a huge community project like this. The Annexe will be used by several local groups, as well as providing a gym, with profits going back into the community.
Roland Hall, chairman of APHAx, the committee which brought the project to fruition.
“We have supplied aluminium and UPVc windows and doors, so it should feel very comfortable all year, and help reduce operating costs, making the project as sustainable as possible.”
The new facility has cost around £750,000 to design and build, with money from The Big Lottery Fund, grants and donations from parish councils, residents and major sponsors. Significant funds were raised by the APHAx Committee.
Roland Hall, chairman of the APHAx Committee said: “We have been working with the Big Lottery Fund for over four years to make The Annexe a reality. The project has its roots in the 2005 Audlem Parish Plan, which identified the need for better sport and recreational facilities. The APHAx team are very proud that they have delivered the most important community project for decades and that it will benefit future generations for years to come.”
Heather Jones, chairman of Audlem Parish Council, said: “Audlem Parish Council is delighted to have helped fund this splendid new annexe to the Public Hall. Due to a variety of circumstances, the Parish Council was, fortunately, in a position to give £20,000 towards the building costs and we believe it is money well spent.
“The Annexe will provide much-needed facilities for the village and councillors are confident the building will be well used by community groups and other organisations now and in the future.”
Rachel Bailey, Leader of Cheshire East Council and ward councillor for Audlem said: “Completion of The Annexe is due to the dedication of the APHAx Committee and enthusiasm of our vibrant village community and beyond.
“The Annexe sees the fruition of Parish Plans penned in 2005 and 2010, with improved sports and recreation facilities now in place for residents ‘from eight to eighty’. In addition to the traditional table tennis and, badminton, indoor bowls and snooker, we now have on our doorstep a community not-for-profit gym, along with improved facilities for 5A’s, Youth club, Audlem & District Community Action and senior and junior football teams
“Congratulations to everyone who has made this happen this is a fantastic facility worthy of its Lottery Funding and community support.”
The Annex will be officially opened by the High Sheriff of Cheshire, Sarah Callander Beckett, on Saturday, November 18, at 2pm. Guests can enjoy a glass of bubbly, a finger buffet, and tour the facilities.
For more information call 01782 398021 or pop into a Target Windows showroom in Stone or Uttoxeter.
