Work on an amphitheatre in the Vale of Evesham is nearing completion.
Work began on the 250-seater arena, on the grounds of the Lenches Sports and Recreation Club, in March 2020.
Disruptions caused by bad weather and the pandemic has seen construction delayed but it now looks set to open in the summer.
Patrick Twist, secretary of the club, said: “There have been some significant challenges over the last couple of years but it’s testament to the hard work of the project team and the local community that we’ve successfully overcome them and soon we’ll be able to enjoy the finished amphitheatre.”
The project has seen the slope behind the club’s tennis courts transformed into a terraced seating area, with the existing pavilion extended to include a dressing room, green room, costume area and storage facility.
It is hoped that the venue will create new opportunities for outdoor drama, dance, music and sporting performances.
The Lenches Cricket Club and the Greater Lenches Amateur Dramatic Society are just two of the groups who will benefit from the project.
Chris Seabourne, chairman of South Lenches Parish Council, said: “We’re so excited about the new opportunities that the amphitheatre will bring to the Lenches and the wider community.
“Sports teams, performers and spectators will all benefit so much from it.”
READ MORE: Final push for funding for Lenches Amphitheatre
In 2019, Wychavon District Council backed the project with a £95,000 Community Legacy Grant.
The Community Legacy Grant scheme seeks to support capital projects that meet local needs and have a lasting benefit.
Since it launched in 2018, almost £3 million has been committed to 27 different projects across the district, such as the new village hall in Whittington and the renovation of the Evesham Lock Island building.
Councillor Rob Adams, executive board member for stronger communities, culture and sport, said: “The Community Legacy Grant scheme has been a great success, and this is just another example of the difference that investment is making throughout Wychavon.”
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