A new £4 million community centre is set to be handed over to Witham Town Council.

Braintree District Council has agreed to transfer the facility, set to be built on land off Haygreen Road, to the town council once it is completed.

The two-storey centre will have a mixed-use hall, kitchen, bar area, and changing rooms for sports players using the nearby football pitch.

Discussions to agree the transfer were finalised at a council meeting on September 9.

Councillor Kevin Bowers, cabinet member for finance, resources, and performance at Braintree District Council, said: "We’re very pleased that discussions with Witham Town Council have come to a positive conclusion.

"With significant financial investment from Braintree District Council and our joined-up approach with Witham Town Council, we are supporting residents and keeping communities healthy and active as well as connected.

"This centre, with all its facilities, is going to be a great asset for the people of Witham."

The £4 million budget for the facility was agreed upon two years ago, with planning and design being finalised since then.

Councillor Phil Barlow, leader of Witham Town Council, said: "Witham Town Council is very pleased to have reached an agreement to own and operate this new centre on behalf of our residents.

"The centre has resulted from the building of the Maltings Lane development over some 20 years.

"It seems appropriate therefore that the Town Council will take over the operation and we will involve our residents in the development plans."

No details on building timeframes have been announced yet.