AFTER years in the pipeline work has started on creating a new community centre and revamping old changing rooms at a sports site.

Work is under way for the new community facility and modernisation of the changing rooms at Cavendish Park, Barrow Island.

The project, costing around £650,000, has been funded through Barrow Island's £1m Big Local, Big Lottery grant, with match funding of £50,000 from Wren, a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community, biodiversity and heritage projects from funds donated by FCC Environment through the Landfill Communities Fund.

Barrow Island has been without a community centre for some years, and islanders said this was needed for residents.

Other Big Local projects on Barrow Island have included transforming Farm Street Park, known as "The Rec", into an adventure playground.

Barrow Island Community Sports Trust Ltd, made up from a partnership of local sport clubs and organisations, is the leaseholder of Cavendish Park, while Barrow Borough Council is the landowner.

The community centre is to have full kitchen facilities and it is expected to be used by groups, clubs and for events.

One of the uses is set to be for indoor bowling and it is expected to be good for children's parties.

Esh Border is the main contractor and Mark Wharton is the architect. The project is expected to be completed by October.

Jimmy Tongue, chairman of Barrow Island Community Sports Trust Ltd, said: "After years of negotiations it is rewarding to know this is finally set to come to fruition.

"This will be a great asset to the community. Residents want a new community centre.

"We hope it will have the wow factor. It's great that so many organisations are making this happen."

Mr Tongue said all the community volunteers have also made a fantastic job of getting the pitches in great order.

Cavendish Park hosts a gala event on the fields. The trust is still looking to confirm a date for this big community event this year.