WORK has started on turning an old gatehouse into a centre to host community meetings, events and activities.

Demolition of the old gatehouse to the former convent in Marton Road, Middlesbrough, has taken place, and the disused building will be replaced by The Lodge, a £113,000 facility.

The community house will serve 180 Tees Valley Housing Group residents in Middlesbrough.

The housing group has been holding meetings with residents for the past two years, and a community consultation process led to the decision to demolish the old building and replace it.

People living in the nearby Farndale Court and Alberta House complexes will also benefit from the facilities, as well as the residents of the group's Old Convent Gardens development.

The project is expected to be completed in November.

Half of the cost of the development has been raised through the European Regional Development Fund, which has also contributed £10,000 towards the total revenue cost of The Lodge for the first 18 months it is open.

Deborah Stephenson, from Tees Valley Housing Group, said: "The start of work on this project marks a major milestone in a scheme which has been two years in planning with members of the local community.

"We are hoping that a number of community groups will use the facility as a venue for their events, meetings or classes and that The Lodge will become a valuable and much-used facility."