A VILLAGE has been presented with plans to spend £1.6million on refurbishing a community centre.

Hook Parish Council has sent leaflets to all villagers in Hook about its plan to refurbish the 25-year-old Hook Community Centre, in Ravenscroft.

The plans include a community cafe, a self-service library kiosk, improved acoustics and soundproofing in the main hall and a viewing gallery for the squash courts.

The move follows a stormy annual village meeting in April, where residents told the parish council they did not have enough information to back the plan, which would include an £800,000 loan from the Public Works Loan Board.

At that meeting, the then chairman of the parish council, Councillor Martin Whittaker, said that the total cost of the refurbishment could not be revealed as the contract was out to tender.

The leaflet confirms the building project will cost £1.6m with half of the cost funded by parish council reserves.

It reads: “A survey carried out in 2009 highlighted the need for more flexible, modern facilities which will also meet the requirements of the expanding community.

“The general condition of the building is shabby, outdated and has many limitations for effective use.”

The leaflet includes a list of options for the building, such as complete demolition and rebuilding, and short-term repairs, but said the major refurbishment would be “the only sustainable option”.

The leaflet also includes a feedback form, but the plans will be exhibited at a special meeting at Hook Community Centre from 8pm on Wednesday, June 26.