THE next phase of work to Bovey Tracey’s community arts and entertainment centre has got underway.

Bovey Paradiso says it is ‘delighted’ to announce that Davie Construction have begun work on the latest phase of work, which includes the opening up of the main entrance through the original double-doors, the completion of the atrium area under the glass roof, the construction of the rear lobby giving access to the auditorium and the laying of the concrete floor in the auditorium itself.

This work, which is expected to take 12 weeks, will create much more space for events and workshops, as well as the making it possible to reopen the café and once completed, all that remains is for the auditorium to be fitted and kitted out, which Bovey Paradiso says it will need to fundraise for.

But with more than 500 members already invested in the vision, workshops and events already happening - not least ‘Opera Paradiso’ on May 23 - the project continues to gather momentum as it moves closer to opening its doors fully.

And once is does it can host the likes of: film screenings; live comedy, theatre and music; talks, exhibitions and creative workshops; food, drink and social events; community gatherings and cultural activities.

David McGahey, from Bovey Paradiso Arts’ Board of Directors, said: ‘We are delighted to announce the start of the latest phase of building works at Paradiso.

‘This will more than double the amount of space available and enable us to open the café once more.

‘We are also delighted to have local builders Davie Construction Ltd working with us again!’

Martin Davie of Davie Construction Ltd said: ‘We are very pleased to have been invited yet again to work on the Paradiso project.

‘As a local company we are big supporters of the project and very happy to be helping to make it happen!’