THE building blocks for an extension to a city community centre could soon be in place in a boost for budding builders, plumbers and electricians.

Worcester City Council has submitted its plans for an extension at The Building Block in Warndon which hosts workshops developing DIY and building skills including bricklaying, plumbing, plastering, tiling and woodwork.

The plans show the new two-storey extension will include offices, a meeting room, classroom and teaching facilities and training bays as well as a new entrance, learning corridor and reception.

The money for the work comes from a successful £1 million bid made by the city to the Government's 'Accelerated Towns Fund' which also includes six new electric car charging points at St Martin's Gate car park and a £250,000 redevelopment of another of Worcester's historic railway arches.

A major theme of the bid was improving access to training and digital services in some of the city's deprived areas -existing problems that have been exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Building Block, which has been open for just over five years, supports around 500 local people each year to develop and improve their building and DIY skills through Logic and City and Guilds accredited courses.

The city council said the popular teaching facility is already fully booked and has a waiting list which is likely to keep growing.

A statement included with the application said: "The proposed scheme offers the area and the flexibility the Building Blocks project needs to grow and operate successfully.

"The extension and enhancement of the existing Building Block building offers the opportunity to create a sense of pride in the local community as participants can effectively build their own centre through internal decoration to external façade design.

"The robustness and security of the centre adds to the aesthetic of the building. It is a place to learn trades and that is echoed through the design. Building Blocks is a pioneering project.

"It will genuinely offer teaching and training to communities which need it most. It will offer the chance for all people to be trained in key skills so they can seek employment and ultimately benefit the local community."

The plans can be viewed via the council's website. The application number is 20/00872/FUL.