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'Demolition Day’ Swings Into Action at Allenton Big Build

‘Demolition Day’ Swings Into Action at Allenton Big Build

Derby’s biggest ever DIY SOS style event has swung into action today, with the first stage of the project- Demolition Day.

The Allenton Big Build is being run by Hodgkinson Builders and Derby Homes, in Partnership with Derby City Council and Allenton Big Local. The large scale charity project will see St Martin’s Church and Community Centre transformed into a vibrant community hub at a cost of £359,000.

A total of £8,500 worth of demolition work will be carried out by Cawarden’s Demolition, free of charge and will see the central section of the development, connecting the church and community hall, bulldozed with a new one built in its place.

Volunteers are being asked to dig in and help with the main project, which will take place in September on a date yet to be announced.

Ian Hodgkinson, managing director at Hodgkinson Builders said: “At Hodgkinson Builders we are providing the National Construction Academy apprentices with real life experience on site. This sort of hands-on experience is essential for trade apprentices.

“We would like to thank St. Martin’s Church Council for helping to make this project possible.”

The demolition began today, July 17 at 9.30am. Building materials for the project such as bricks, internal doors and toilets have all been provided by Buildbase.

Rachel Hudson, from Inventory Genius, is one of the organisers, she said: “The launch morning was a chance for spectators and the companies participating in the project to witness the start of the fantastic renovation at St. Martin’s.”

The organisers are still appealing for donations such as carpets, blinds and soft furnishings.

St Martin’s has been used as a community hall for a number of years, but it is now dated and no longer fit for purpose. The work will see it transformed with a modern extension to accommodate an affordable community café with a training kitchen and local exhibitions, new community rooms, a community garden, sensory garden and outdoor play.

There will also be a spruced-up main hall for hosting large community events, as well as new toilets and disabled facilities.

To offer your support on the day, or to donate materials contact Helen Faulconbridge at Helen.Falcounbridge@derbyhomes.com

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Poppy-PR .