BOVEY Tracey’s new community building in Station Road is now half-way through construction and it’s time to find a name for the new complex.

The scheduled summer opening has been delayed due to the Covid-19 situation, but the council is hoping it will be open for business later in the autumn.

Town clerk Mark Wells said: ‘One of the significant tasks still to be undertaken is giving the building a name. The town council wants ideas for the name from individuals of all ages who live or work in the parish.’

The building will house the council office, the public library and the information centre. Mr Wells said: ‘It is destined to be a venue for those seeking information about everything that goes on in and around our parish of Bovey Tracey and Heathfield.’

The new hub will also be available for smaller functions, council and other meetings, and will house office facilities for hire for home workers, budding entrepreneurs or business incubators.

‘It is important that the name enables the building to be easily identified,’ said Mr Wells. ‘So reference to purpose and/or location will be favoured. The name should also be relevant to the planned longevity of the building and its purpose.’

The town council said it should not have a name used for similar purposes elsewhere nearby –the parish already has a ‘Community Centre’ in Heathfield.

As the building is on Station Road, mention of the road name Station is excluded under Royal Mail and district council guidelines for naming new addresses.

Mr Wells said some suggestions already put forward include Mill Marsh House, Bovey Gateway, Compass Point, Town Forum, The Crux, Parkside Centre, Info Hub, and Bridge Approach Hall.

However, when the public is asked to submit prospective names for a new building, Mr Wells explained: ‘We only want sensible suggestions.

‘Please resist the temptation to suggest inappropriate names, as the council will not be interested in giving it any publicity.

‘The building will be a major asset to the community and should be respected as such.

‘If you have any prospective and sensible naming proposals for the new council-owned building, then we would really like to hear from you please.’

The winner of this competition, which will be judged by a panel of town councillors and other community representatives, will be asked to attend the civic opening of the building, and will receive a gift voucher of £100.

The closest runner-up and/or the best junior (under 18) entry that are shortlisted will each be awarded a £25 voucher.’

The competition will close on June 22. Submit entries and contact details to the town clerk via the survey link https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/X22WCTW