A NEW £1.6million town hall for Billericay has been approved.

Billericay Town Council voted to agree a contract with A.W.Hardy to construct the new community facility which will replace the current Chantry Way centre.

Designed by Billericay-based architects Ingleton Wood, the building is planned to be completed by July 2020.

This will allow the town council to move from their current offices.

Adam Adshead, chairman of the council’s finance and general purposes committee who are overseeing the project, and Jim Devlin, chairman of Billericay town council, co-signed the £1.6 million contract on Thursday.

It is being funded courtesy of a £1.4 million Government loan with the remaining £200,000 coming from “reserved funds.”

Councillor Adshead said: “I’m very excited about the use our community will be able to get from the new facility.

“The potential is huge.

“I would like to thank those who have been involved in the project and who have put in so much hard work”.

Councillor Devlin added: “It will be a great addition to the town.

“It will provide a centrally located community hub with modern facilities.

“We’ve been through two years of hard work to get everything right. The community hub will allow groups to publicise their work.”

Chris Mabbutt, a director at Ingleton Wood, is delighted to be involved with the scheme.

He said: “We designed it with the community in mind.

“We have come up with something that will look great for years to come and meet the requirements of residents.

“As well as the town council offices and a council chamber, there are three offices for hire.

“In the foyer, there will be a multi-use space and a reception. The hall facilities include a kitchen and bathroom facilities.”

A spokesman from AW Hardy, said: “We are really pleased to be doing the work.

“The work is planned to start on Monday, August 19.”

It is hoped the centre will bring in cash to help fund the loan.