PLANS for a major new community building in Cirencester are back on track after more than 10 years.

Back in 2013, Cirencester Town Council planned to build this impressive eco building on the site of the Obelisk Community Rooms in Cotswold Avenue.

The plans never came to fruition due to lack of funding but this week the town council revealed that the scheme is now back in the pipeline.

The council hopes to apply for planning permission next year with a finish date of 2026 to 2027 planned.

Formerly known as the Scout Hut, the venue was shut recently as it is no longer ‘viable’ to be used as a community centre, according to a town council spokesperson.

Before its closure, the building was home to the 1st Cirencester Scouts as well as Cirencester Men’s Shed.

Cirencester Town Council spokesperson said: “Due to rising utility costs and the current building being beyond economic repair, the Scout Hut, now known as the Obelisk Community Rooms, is no longer viable to remain open as a community facility.

“As part of our Green Spaces Strategic Review, we are working with the local community and former users of the Scout Hut to plan for an exciting new building of the future.

“We will be commissioning an architect to design a new building for the site so that we can apply for planning permission in 2025 with delivery of the new build expected in 2026/27.”

Plans for the building were first drawn up as part of a broader masterplan for the amphitheatre complex in 2013.

The vision for the site included youth hostel accommodation to replace the Scout Hut.

While capital funding was not available to deliver the plan in full at the time, it now forms part of the town council’s Green Spaces Strategic Review.

The council told the Standard this week that the plan for the new building is a priority for delivery over the next few years although it has not yet been costed.

Any local architects who would like to offer their support in designing the building should contact town council CEO Andrew Tubb at andrew@cirencester.gov.uk lFind the latest news from across the district as it happens at wiltsglosstandard.co.uk