The Phoenix Centre has taken a major step forward with the appointment of a contractor.
Enzo’s Construction Ltd has been awarded the contract to build the new community centre.
Work on demolishing the Fishguard & Goodwick Sports Clubhouse will begin early next month with the new building expected to be complete in time for the start of the 2011/12 winter sports season.
The new building, which will be built on the site of the existing sports clubhouse, will act as a community hub for Fishguard and Goodwick and will also include new sports changing facilities and function rooms.
Ron Cobley, Commercial Manager of Enzo’s Construction said the company was delighted to win the construction contract for the innovative community centre and sports clubhouse.
“We will be working closely with the project’s management team to deliver the new centre on time,” he said.
“I have nothing but admiration for the community effort, which has been involved in raising the funding for the new centre. As a company we are proud to be part of it.”
John Deason, Chairman of Fishguard & Goodwick Sports Club, said that the new centre was expected to be completed within 15 months – in time for the start of the 2011/12 football and rugby seasons.
“Our priority over the next year is to raise a further £85,000 to cover the funding shortfall. We are into the final phase of a marathon effort; the challenge is to raise the last £85,000 while the new centre is being built and in time for its completion – and like a real Marathon race, the last mile is often the hardest!’
The project has already raised over £1.3 million and has benefited from an unprecedented community fundraising effort including free professional services from local Chartered Architectural Designer Tom Kinver and his Design Team; which includes Keith Pearce (Quantity Surveyor), Mike Sauro (Mechanical & Electrical Engineer) and John Brailsford (Structural Engineer).
The project has also benefitted from major cash commitments from the local Rugby, Goodwick Football, Brass Band, Tennis and Cricket clubs; while the popular ‘Buy-a-Brick’ scheme continues to raise funds.
Underpinning this community effort has been the success of two large grant applications to the Big Lottery (£500,000) and to the Welsh Assembly Government (£490,000). Additionally a Pembrokeshire County Council grant of £50,000 is anticipated, while Fishguard & Goodwick Town Council has, to date, contributed £3,000.
The project’s Management Committee meets later this week and will be announcing a range of new fundraising initiatives. Foremost among these plans will be the forthcoming Preseli Bluestone Challenge organised by the Fishguard, Cardigan and Haverfordwest Rotary Clubs. Fishguard Rotary Club has dedicated their fundraising from this event to the new Phoenix Centre. For more details of the Bluestone Challenge go to www.preselibluestonechallenge.com