Draft plans for a new community centre in a north Essex town will be doing on display next month.

The Halstead Community Centre Charitable Company (H4C) is inviting residents from the town and surrounding villages to have their say on the proposals.

The new hall is set to be built in Butler Road.

Architects and H4C trustees will be on hand at various points during the display times to answer questions and take comments and suggestions during the consultation events.

The plans will be on display at Halstead Library, in Bridge Street, on Friday February 13 from 10am until 7pm and Saturday February 14 from 10am until 3pm.

All feedback will be used to inform the final plans to be submitted for a planning application, which is the next phase in the project.

David Iles, trustee, said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a new community hub in our town and we need to get it right.

“We need to hear people’s views before the plans are finalised.

“Step by step, we are getting closer to making this-long held dream become a reality.”

A general consultation document was sent to all households in 2012.

Since the formation of the charitable trust in 2013, the trustees have been working with local stakeholders and consulting informally with existing groups, clubs and societies to gain an insight into the needs of the community.

This information has fed into the early work with planners and with architects.

Schools, youth groups and other societies are also invited to visit the planning display as well as general members of the public.