WORK to convert part of Bourton’s former hospital into a new community hub looks set to start in the spring.

Gloucestershire County Council, which bought the redundant Moore Cottage Hospital site last March, has now submitted plans to Cotswold District Council to convert the listed part of the building into a new community centre.

If planners give the project the go-ahead, work on the ambitious transformation could begin in just a matter of months.

As previously reported in the Journal, the building will be converted it into a new parish council office, a library, police hub, a community cafe and activity area and will be taken over by the parish council.

Meanwhile, the old Erskine ward was sold to the purchasers of Salmonsbury House and has now been demolished.

Nearly 70 residents turned out to a meeting in the Victoria Hall last week to hear the latest on the hub, which could take up to 16 weeks to convert if planning permission is approved.

It is hoped the parish council can move into the building in the latter part of this year.

Parish council chairman Bryan Sumner said so far the project had been well supported.

“I’m extremely pleased with the way the project is going and with how the village is receiving it,” he said.

“Everyone is excited and looking forward to the project reaching a conclusion later this year.”

He was thrilled to see so many people attend the meeting and showing a keen interest in the project.

“We were extremely pleased with the turnout – it was a very positive meeting in every respect,” he said.

“The parish council is very pleased with the support we are getting and they are looking forward to taking over the building later on in 2014.”

The parish council also hopes to provide a health suite as part of the redevelopment and is currently in negotiations with a private local nursery school for them to occupy the upper floor.

The parish council was also given a further boost after it was awarded a £150,000 grant from the Moore Friends group towards the health and welfare elements of the project.

“We’re extremely grateful for their generosity which will help the project proceed,” added Coun Sumner.

A separate budget of £60,000 has been set aside for additional fit-out works and equipment.