More than 120 guests attended the official opening of a Suffolk town's new £1.2m community hall to replace a 130-year-old building made famous by the BBC series The Detectorists.
A special opening reception was held at Castle Community Rooms in Framlingham on Saturday (March 18) to bring together all those who had helped to make the project a reality.
The building, designed by James Gorst Architects in partnership with Framlingham Parochial Church Council, is available for weddings, receptions and meetings and boasts a hall with seating for 100 people, as well as a meeting room accommodating 16.
Social and musical events, exhibitions and fitness classes can also be held at the facility, which can accommodate up to 120 people.
READ MORE: Launch of £1.2m Suffolk hall tomorrow to replace BBC star
St Michael's Rooms had starred in the BBC show about Danebury Metal Detecting Club, written by Mackenzie Crook.
Pop star Ed Sheeran's father John helped to support the new community rooms through fundraising talks, while other backers included the town council, which provided £126,000 and East Suffolk Council through £700,000 of Community Infrastructure Levy money, along with St Michael's Church and the charity Gee Wizz.
READ MORE: Suffolk: New hub supported by Ed Sheeran's dad is now open
A spokesperson for St Michael’s Church, which managed and part-funded the project, said: “As was the case with St Michael’s Rooms, Castle Community Rooms will be an essential hub for Framlingham's social and recreational activities, just a very short walk from the town centre.
READ MORE: Suffolk: Launch date for venue to replace Detectorists star
“We are very grateful to East Suffolk Council, Framlingham Town Council, The National Lottery Community Fund and other independent funding bodies for their grants towards the cost of this project and to the significant amount of money given by individuals, including present and former members of St Michael’s Church and members of the Castle Community Rooms friends scheme.”
READ MORE: Framlingham news
Bury St Edmunds-based contractor Seamans Building was also involved with the project.
Seamans' production director Ben Whatling said: “It’s great to be able to deliver such an amazing building to the local community, especially after so much hard work had been done to make this dream a reality.”
READ MORE: Suffolk news
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