THIS is the first glimpse of a new �3m family centre proposed for Carlton Colville.

It is hoped that the proposed Discovery Family Centre will become the 'heart of the community' by offering a range of facilities from meeting and education rooms to a cinema and recording studios.

But the backers are now looking for public support to make the scheme a reality.

This artist's impression shows how the new building should look. The plans are still in the early stages, with two possible sites identified and funding for the scheme still under discussion.

The project has an initial cost of �3m – to build the centre and operate it in its first year – and its backers are hopeful of securing grants to help fund this. But local people are being asked to make donations to the project and then to make it viable by supporting the centre and using its facilities.

If enough people use it, the project team believe it will become self-sustaining from its second year onwards.

The Discovery Family Centre charity group, which is driving the project, comprises local residents and involves Waveney District Council, local councillors, Grove Primary School and a local GP.

In an effort to drum up support for the proposals – drawn up by Westray Keith Phelps Ltd of Hull – the plans will go on public display at Grove Primary School on Friday, September 23.

It is hoped the completed centre will house a range of facilities designed to help people of all ages improve their fitness and wellbeing and create future opportunities for the community.

The plans include a main hall, cr�che, gym, recording studios, meeting and education rooms and a young people's 'chill out space'.

The main hall could house a community cinema, craft events, parent and toddler groups, holiday clubs, fun days and religious ceremonies, and there are also plans for a community vegetable garden, a wildlife garden, and allotments.

According to a publicity pamphlet, the centre should also prove its worth by giving children and young people a place to 'learn, play, meet their friends, have fun and raise their aspirations'.

At the open day, a bucket collection will held as the first stage of a fundraising campaign.

A spokesman for the project said it was hoped the centre would be up and running within the next 12 to 18 months, if local people gave it their full support.

He said: 'We want the Discovery Family Centre to become the heart of the community. It will help people to discover and improve themselves.'

As patron of the project, Waveney MP Peter Aldous also voiced his support. He said it would help address the lack of amenities in the area, which is home to about 6,000 people.

'There is an acute shortage of leisure and community facilities in Carlton Colville and this exciting project will ensure that the people who live there get the facilities that they need and deserve,' he said.

'The team behind it are to be congratulated for the work that they have already done and I shall do all that I can to help them turn their vision in to reality.'

Colin Law, leader of Waveney District Council, said: 'This is a very exciting project. If the people of Carlton Colville give their full support they will never ever regret it.'

l The Discovery Family Centre Open Day runs from 3.30pm to 8pm at Grove Primary School in Framfield Road.