An outdated community centre in Huntingdon is set to be replaced after an agreement was struck between two councils.

The Medway Centre, in Medway Road, was opened in 1979 but, according to councillors, is no longer fit for purpose.

Following talks between Huntingdon Town Council and Huntingdonshire District Council the land that the centre sits on will be given to the town authority by the district council.

The deputy leader of the district council, Councillor Robin Howe said: “We have talked to the town council and the funds that would come from the sale of the Medway Centre land would help pay for a new community centre.”

The plan would involve demolishing the existing centre for the land to be sold for housing, with a new centre built in Coneygear Park.

The original building has been enlarged on a number of occasions and now comprises lounge, main hall, stage, coffee bar and offices.

The deputy mayor of Huntingdon, Councillor Daryl Brown said: “Currently the Medway Centre is falling to pieces so this would be a good option for us.”

In order to pay for the new centre a loan would be given by the district council to the town council and would be paid back following the sale of the land.

It is predicted that the new centre will cost in the region of £800,000 and £1.2million – with £282,000 coming from S106 funding.

Town clerk Philip Peacock said: “The Medway Centre is now 35 years old and it needs a complete refurbishment.

“When weigh up the cost of refurbishing the old building to building a new centre it is much more cost effective to build a new one.”

It is hoped that the new centre will be built by 2020.