PLANS are in place to transform an empty building into a youth centre.

Salop Glass in Castlefields and Ditherington is earmarked for demolition as part of the redevelopment of Flax Mill Maltings.

But community leaders hope to turn it into an indoor BMX centre featuring ramps, pool and basketball before the bulldozers move in.

The project is the brainchild of Shropshire councillor Alan Mosley who has joined forces with Severnside Housing and the local police team to plan the work and operate the facility on Ditherington Road.

Forty volunteers from Shrewsbury business Caterpillar Remanufacturing will get the project off the ground by building partitions, clearing the site, painting and erecting ramps and equipment in preparation for its opening.

Cllr Mosley, town councillor for Castlefields and Ditherington, said: “This will be a great facility for local young people and for others from farther afield.

“The building will come to life and many thanks go to Caterpillar and their staff for their wonderful support in making it possible.

“It is excellent to see the project taking shape, based on real local partnership working.

“Already there is great interest being shown by young people, and local residents are keen to help run it alongside the partners.”

The project, which is being coordinated by Shropshire Council’s senior community action officer, Steve Cunningham, also includes the Friends of the Flax Mill Maltings.

The group aims to take on a lease for the buildings as part of its objective to bolster community involvement around the site.

Ben Reed, engineering manager at Caterpillar, added: “The local partnership is committed to providing a centre for young people in the area to engage in indoor sporting and leisure activities, and we are excited to be able to offer our help to the great work they are doing.

“This project gives the volunteers the opportunity to work on a meaningful project outside of their day jobs for the regeneration of a redundant building.”

Work is expected to begin on July 8 and the centre will open later in the summer.

Anyone interested in volunteering can email alan.mosley@shropshire.gov.uk.