A once semi-derelict army club house has a brighter future as a stunning new community hub after an £87,000 Severn Trent grant award for energy-saving solar panels.

The former mess hall has been used by generations of Worcestershire Regiment soldiers from the adjacent barracks to eat, drink and socialise.

But after the barracks was sold for housing in the 1980s, the Grade II listed building fell into disrepair, despite being the home base of  Worcester Norton Sports Club.

But that changed after dedicated volunteers formed Worcester Norton Community Interest Company (WNCIC) and began fundraising – which had raised over £1m after support from Severn Trent, the National Lottery and Wychavon District Council.

A grand unveiling of the newly-named Sergeants Mess Community Hub recently took place, with members of the historic regiment - now merged with the Mercians – in attendance, along with other dignitaries.

The hub now features newly decorated, spacious rooms for use by the community, plus refurbished changing areas, toilets and showers for the cricket team. It also features a cosy new bar and sun-kissed terrace.

Special guest was army widow Gwen Parkin, whose late husband Major Gordon Parkin served at the barracks and once enjoyed the club house. A function room has been named in his honour. Also in attendance was Edith Price, the daughter of the late Sergeant ‘Curly’ Galloway who previously ran the bar at the club. The new bar is named after him.

The Severn Trent Community Fund’s grant, awarded last year, paid for the roof solar panels, new electric charging points for cars, as well as insulation work at the building.

Jade Gough, from Severn Trent’s Community Fund, said: “We were delighted to support the transformation of this historic Grade II building, which will offer so much to the local community.

“The solar panels help the environment by utilising renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions, plus they will save the community hub money on energy bills.

“It is wonderful to think that the beautiful new building will now become a focal point for all Worcester residents to enjoy. Severn Trent is delighted to have been able to support such an important and exciting project.”

One of WNCIC’s director, Rob Goodman, said: “The building was close to derelict in places before we began this fundraising project, so we are very grateful for the support of Severn Trent, the National Lottery and Wychavon District Council.

“It’s unbelievable how many local people and groups are already engaging with and enjoying the new facility since we have opened, which is wonderful to see.

“But this is just the start for us, as we hope to add even more community benefits to this site in the years to come.”