THE keys to a building hoped to become the beating heart of a Bicester housing estate have been officially handed over to Cherwell District Council.

The completion of the Kingsmere community and youth centre building, in Bicester, was marked with a celebration on Friday as residents joined developers, councillors and Banbury MP Victoria Prentis.

An official key handover ceremony was hosted by Countryside Properties, which owns the development site and which gave control of the community centre to the council.

Mrs Prentis, who marked the first spade in the ground in October, was on hand to pass over the keys on behalf of developers to council leader Barry Wood.

Mr Wood said: "I feel confident that these new facilities will serve as a heart to Kingsmere.

"I know that the Kingsmere Community Centre group have great plans for a range of clubs, activities and events here once fully open.

"I believe it will provide a popular place for people to come together, meet new friends and neighbours and strengthen the community spirit that will ensure Kingsmere thrives in Bicester."

The community centre will eventually form part of the 'village centre' area including a day nursery, convenience store, outdoor space and four shop units.

Countryside Properties director Andrew Carrington said: "The handover of these stunning new community facilities marks a further significant marker in the history of Kingsmere.

"This community hub is just across the road from St Edburg’s school, a school which has gone from strength to strength over the past 18 months, since opening.

"The location is perfect for the school, as well as the residents of Kingsmere and the wider community. I look forward to seeing these buildings come to life."

At the same event two pieces of art by local artist Suzanne Driscoll and students of St Edburg's School - which is located on site - were unveiled.

One piece is designed to act as a focal point at the centre of a circular seating area and features images of plants that grew on the former farmland that Kingsmere is built on.

The second piece is to act as a beacon leading people into the centre and stands where the pathway leaves the road as a structure which acts as a shelter and has skylarks included in the design.