The £2.5 million community facility had been the long-term aspiration of Whitnash Town Council who led the project in partnership with Warwick District Council and Warwickshire County Council to bring several local services under one roof.

At the opening which took place on 17 November, tributes were made to Councillor Tony Heath, one of the main advocates of the new centre, who sadly passed away weeks before its completion and former Whitnash Councillor and Mayor Bernard Kirton who died last year who had long campaigned for improved community facilities.

The official ceremony and ribbon cutting for the centre which includes a multi-use sports hall, library, community café, meeting room and offices for the Town Council, was conducted by the Mayor of Whitnash, Councillor Adrian Barton. There were also plaques revealed for the main hall named after Tony Heath and meeting room which has been named after Bernard Kirton.

Councillor Barton said:

“A Civic Centre and Library on Acre Close has been a priority for our local community for many years. I am therefore delighted that thanks to the support of Warwick District Council, Warwickshire County Council and the efforts of the town council team, local businesses and residents, we now have this wonderful multi-functional facility for the benefit of everyone in our town.”

The Leader of Warwick District Council, Cllr Andrew Day commented:

“A community hub is an essential part of every town, especially one as vibrant as Whitnash. Working in partnership with the Town Council we're delighted to have played our part in bringing this important and ambitious scheme to life."

Whitnash’s new Civic Centre and Library has been funded thanks to nearly £2m in funding from Warwick District Council with additional monetary support received from Warwickshire County Council, Sport England and a public works loan taken by the Town Council. A further £20k was raised through a local Crowdfunding campaign.

Further information and facility booking details can be found on the Whitnash Civic Centre website.