A NEW £3m community centre in Rose Hill has moved a step closer after residents overwhelming backed the idea.

Nearly 600 people voted in a unique community poll to have their say on whether a new centre should be built or the old one revamped.

All 587 votes – mainly cast at a community fun day on Saturday – were counted yesterday .

Some 459 voted for a rebuild while 126 people backed a revamp. There were two spoiled ballots.

Once it is built the new centre will bring together the community centre, social club, advice centre, sports pavilion and youth club.

Ray James, chairman of Rose Hill Tenants’ and Residents’ Association, said: “Obviously as a supporter of the new build I am happy with the outcome but I am conscious that 126 people voted to stay where they were.

“Change always gets a mixed response and this issue has been no different. Most people will be glad of the new facility once it is built.

“The centre has been there for an awfully long while.”

Sean Qualter, chairman of Rose Hill Football Club, said: “I am absolutely delighted. It’s brilliant news for the club and will help us move forward.”

Mr Qualter said the club was currently not equipped to have a youth or girls’ team and should have been promoted to the Oxfordshire Senior League, but did not apply due to its facilities.

City councillor Ed Turner, who represents Rose Hill on the council and is its deputy leader, said: “Our next steps will be to work with the community association and all those affected community groups on detailed designs for a new centre as we want everyone to be involved.”

Antonia Bance, who also represents Rose Hill on the city council, said: “I think the people of the estate have made a great choice and it is a great opportunity for the whole community.”

All Rose Hill residents aged 11 and over were able to vote.

In addition, youngsters aged between eight and 11 who attend Rose Hill Primary School made their choice in dedicated teaching sessions.

Once it is rebuilt on a site in Ashhurst Way, the new £3m community centre will have a larger hall, a training kitchen and sports changing facilities.

The refurbishment would have cost £650,000 but would have involved changing the layout of the centre and improving the entrances.

Funding for the project, which will be completed by early 2015, will come from developer contributions.

But Bert Inness, who is chairman of Rose Hill Social Club which is based at the centre, said: “Where the community centre is now is the centre of Rose Hill and there is a bus stop right outside it. People are not afraid to walk up there. This is where the community centre should be but the new one will be built behind houses.

“Maybe when we get over there we will say how nice it is but we have been working on a shoestring here for years and there are sentimental reasons for not wanting to leave.”

The results and plans will be presented to the council’s city executive board for approval on Wednesday, December 19.