THE dilapidated Druitt Hall in Christchurch town centre will be demolished and replaced with a brand-new two-storey building after getting the go-ahead from Christchurch Borough Council.

Councillors on the planning control committee gave their unanimous approval to plans for a new community hall on the site where the current run-down building sits to the rear of the High Street.

Plans first drawn up in spring 2007 have been fine-tuned following months of public consultation by the applicants, the Christchurch Community Partnership.

The final development now includes a cafe, several meeting rooms with one larger one including a stage and a kitchen, with careful consideration given to its surroundings and proximity to Druitt Gardens.

Cllr Peter Hall said: "I am delighted. This application has been a long-time coming and has a lot of widespread support. "It does enhance the area and in my opinion is the best place we could have it."

And he was supported by Cllr Sue Spittle, who added: "This application is long overdue. "I can recall Druitt Hall's early days and believe that the new building will serve as a superb amenity to the area. There has been a lot of care taken with the design and positioning."

Sandra Prudom, from the Christchurch Community Partnership and chairperson of the community centre steering group, said: "It is absolutely wonderful. "We were cautiously optimistic for the plans as they have been carefully put together.

"It's great news for the town but now the hard-work begins. We have to raise £1 million to fund the building but we have lots of weird and wonderful events up our sleeves."

She added: "The most important thing is that this is a building for the town to take ownership of. It is for everyone in the community to use and look-after."

The community group plans to kick off its fundraising on Saturday October 4 at its official launch.