Honiton Community Spaces hope to transform the current Community Use Building so that it could accommodate more people and provide an improved environment.

Local residents and community groups are being asked to support to fundraising initiative. They can either donate to the fund or could host a sponsored event.

The building, which is on School Lane, has fallen into a state of disrepair. The roof was damaged during Storm Eunice and it has a very low energy rating, making it very expensive to heat. There is a lot of work that still needs to be done, but recently a wheelchair lift was added and asbestos was removed.

Community Spaces hope to raise £325,000. The money raised will be spent on installing a new fire escape, bringing the building up to new regulations, adding disabled ramps, upgrading and insulating the roof, external walls and windows as well as upgrading the heating and lighting to reduce energy consumption.

Mike Jones is chair of Honiton Community Spaces. He told Nub News why the building is so important for the town: "It is our commitment to help more vulnerable and less affluent groups become established and sustainable.

"This means we offer very low-cost room and space hire, so our annual revenue is much lower than places like the Beehive and the Pippins Axminster, who are home to some fruitful contracts and community groups. In fact, we have allowed some of our groups long rent-free periods to help them establish themselves."

The building offers a low-cost space for members of the community to use. It hosts approximately 10 groups, including mother and baby groups, Honiton Shedders, Wood Querkery, Mekaton Sign and Sign, Open Arms, the Youth Club and Honiton Repair Club. It also provides a space for the 729 Club, which is for teenagers and adults with additional needs and physical limitations.

Hourly rates at the building are deliberately kept low at £11 per hour, which is significantly cheaper than other spaces. 

If you'd like to make a donation to the cause, you can do so here.