ARCHITECTS behind the £3m plans for Rose Hill’s new community centre have explained their designs to residents.

The new two-storey facility to be built behind Rose Hill and Donnington Advice Centre in Ashhurst Way could be open by early 2015.

ADP architect Wayne Dobbins said the designs aimed to draw in more of the community.

ADP architects based in Park End Street, project managers from the Clarkson Alliance in Summertown, and Oxford City Council officers were on hand to answer residents’ questions about the plans at the current community centre in The Oval on Thursday.

Mr Dobbins said: “This is quite a tired old building, so the aim was to create something for the whole community.

“One of the aims was to bring in younger families and more of the residents. At the moment things revolve around the social club, but there will be better changing facilities for the football pitches, a gym, and more on offer for everyone.

“There is an atrium and entrance space to give a nice sense of arrival.”

The new centre would house facilities including a surgery, library, gym, police office, cafe, advice centre, training kitchen and social club. The existing centre in The Oval will be knocked down, and possibly used for housing.

In November last year 459 residents chose the option for a new centre while 126 wanted to improve the existing community centre.

Rose Hill resident Vim Rodrigo, from Rivermead Road, quizzed the architects and planning officers before giving his verdict.

The 80-year-old, who has lived in Rose Hill for 42 years, said: “I think the plan is excellent. I am all in favour.

“But I think there is insufficient parking. And what I would like to see is a garden area where the present advice centre is to be removed.

“It would be good to have a place where open air functions can be held.

“I really like the doctors’ clinic in the building which is a great help to the elderly.”

Rose Hill community worker Fran Gardner said the plans met a variety of needs and added: “There is also going to be a wonderful training kitchen which is brilliant for a variety of community groups because food is such an important part of life on this estate.”

Project manager Mike Davy said the health facility in particular would be a big boon for the community.

A planning application is due to be submitted towards the end of the month.