Watford Football Club's Community Sports and Education Trust, Vicarage Road, Watford Hertfordshire England

Watford Football Club's Community Sports and Education Trust and Harrow Council announced today the news that their plans and proposals for the re-development of Cedars Youth and Community Centre have now been approved.

In a statement on the club website the club expects work on the project to start on site in late 2010 and are now preparing to appoint an appropriate contractor to carry out the work.

Cllr Mitzi Green, Portfolio Holder for Children's Services on Harrow Council, said:

"This is excellent news for people of all ages in Harrow Weald but in particular a huge boost for young people in the area. We couldn't have done this without the help of Watford FC.

"Residents have played a key role, working with the council and Watford FC to design this world class youth and community facility. We're thrilled that this funding announcement will allow us to get on with the construction.

"As well as delivering state-of-the-art sports facilities ahead of the London Olympics, the centre will offer space for arts, music and IT. There really will be something for everyone."

Neil Hart, Head of Community Development at Watford Football Club's Community Sports and Education Trust added, "We are delighted to receive full approval for the project to now move forward to the next stage which will result in the appointment of an appropriate contractor with the ultimate aim of starting on site within 6 months."

"The hard work now starts in order to build a world class facility that can make a real difference to its community."

The concept for the building sets out plans for a unique development for the area that will be considerate to the environment, provide excellent communal space for its users and be protected from any potential vandalism.

The Big Lottery Fund have been reviewing work produced by the partnership which includes a business and sustainability plan, a capital delivery plan and the architectural designs.

These proposals have all now been approved. The project also gained full planning approval in February 2010, with the planning committee describing the project as having "overwhelming support" from the local community.