PLANS for a community hub in Camelford are moving closer to fruition, with charity trustees due to sign the lease to the former NatWest Bank building in the next few weeks.

The ‘old bank’ project is the result of a generous offer to allow Camelford to make use of the empty bank building for at least five years at a peppercorn rent for community purposes.

The only proviso is that the lease must be held by a charity and all activities in the building must conform to the charity’s official aims and objectives.

The Maia Project is a local charity with wide aims and objectives that include art, education and community purposes. Trustees have offered up the Maia Project to be the charity to enable the town to take up the lease of the former bank, although it is envisaged that residents would undertake the running of the project.

Jill Lamede, project manager trustee, said: “Camelford’s population is growing fast and there is a growing need for a central hub where residents and visitors of all ages and abilities can gather to take part in a variety of activities.

“The old bank might be able to offer a home to the CHAT group, guides, scouts, a youth drama group, a local band, a credit union, a mini library, a one-stop shop, tourist information — there are endless possibilities.

“So far, the steering committee and the trustees feel that in the daytime the building should be used for many such community activities and resources, while offering a range of small-scale, creative evening events.”

At this early stage, there has been a brief site visit and a ground plan has been drawn up.

Jill added: “For the first time we are beginning to be able to assess what the possibilities are, what spaces are available, what alterations and refurbishments will be required.

“This is a process that cannot be rushed. The steering committee needs to discover which organisations will want to have space and/or storage. The running costs of the building must be established so that a fair share of those costs can be covered by each organisation and or event.”

Camelford Town Council recently granted £2,500 towards the project, and Jill explained that this has enabled them to action solicitors and pay for the landlord’s legal fees. They were unable to move forward without funds in the bank.

“We hope to be able to sign the lease within the next few weeks. Until the lease is signed and we can get in to see what needs to be done, we can’t go much further with the plans.”

It is hoped that an open day will be held in the near future so that residents and local groups can visit to have a look around and make suggestions as to how the centre can be used.

So far, the reaction to the community hub has been positive. Jill said: “Everybody that I’ve mentioned it to thinks it’s a wonderful idea. We want to make it a really warm, friendly place that is community-based.”

Residents are sought to join the steering group to help with the running of the project. Anyone who is interested or would like to find out more information is asked to email Jill at [email protected]