Building work on the Paddocks has officially begun

Councillors were joined by representatives of The Friends of The Paddocks group, as they met with contractors to officially handover the keys so the eight-month renovation project could get underway.

Contractors moved onto the Canvey Island site last week to secure it and install the necessary cabins and fixtures to enable their work. This week (19 February), the first phase of work will begin with scaffolding being erected on the low-level roof.

Approximately £1.5m of improvements will be made to the centre, including work to both the interior and exterior as well as upgrading electrics, heating, lighting, and ventilation systems.

Cllr Dave Blackwell, Leader of Castle Point Borough Council, said “Renovations to The Paddocks Community Centre have been long overdue, so we welcome the start of these works. Our residents deserve to have a local centre that can serve the community well and we believe this investment will ensure that The Paddocks remains an important asset for the Borough for the future.”

Matthew Smith, Associate Building Surveying at Concertus, said: “This is an exciting project for Concertus, working in collaboration with Castle Point Council and SEH French to deliver a significant refurbishment project. The refurbishment scope identified as part of condition improvement plans has been a positive approach. The work completed to date by the teams to get to this point has enabled the Council to make informed decisions on their approach and ultimately a decision on how to progress the project.

“The project works to be undertaken will make a positive change to both the building fabric and energy performance of the building. We are excited to see the project commence and look forward to seeing the completed works at the end of the project.”

The Paddocks is expected to reopen in late September 2024. Until that time, current users have been offered alternative provisions at other Council facilities.