Castle Community Rooms in Framlingham opens replacing St Michael's Rooms previously famous by BBC Detectorists series

Over 120 guests attended the special opening reception of a new building project in a Suffolk town.

The new Castle Community Rooms in Framlingham – which replaces the previous St Michael’s Rooms made famous as the BBC’s Detectorists clubhouse – has now been officially opened.

The original building shot to fame as the home of Danebury Metal Detecting Club in the BBC’s award-winning series The Detectorists, written and directed by Mackenzie Crook and co-starring Toby Jones.

On Saturday, March 18, the reception included members of St Michael’s Parochial Church Council, East Suffolk Council, Framlingham Town Council, the project fundraising team, contractors Seamans Building and James Gorst architects.

Ben Whatling, Seamans Building’s Production Director, said the company was thrilled to be part of the project.

He said: “This is a really important project for the town and one we have been delighted to be involved with."

"The former St Michael’s Rooms had a special place in many people’s hearts – from people in the town to fans of the BBC Detectorists – so we wanted its replacement to be even better.

"It’s great to be able to deliver such an amazing building to the local community, especially after so much hard work had been done to make this dream a reality."

Sitting at the heart of the town for almost 130 years, time had taken its toll on the timber building which had gone into a state of disrepair despite the best efforts of its custodians.

After five years of work from the PCC, Framlingham Town Council, a team of fundraisers, as well as architects and contractors, the community rooms are now open and back in full use.

A spokesman for St Michael’s Church, which managed and part-funded the project, said: “We are delighted have worked with Seamans, the architect and a team of consultants on this exciting new facility for Framlingham.

"As was the case with St Michael’s Rooms, Castle Community Rooms will be an essential hub for Framlingham's social and recreational activities, just a very short walk from the town centre.

“We are very grateful to East Suffolk Council, Framlingham Town Council, The National Lottery Community Fund and other independent funding bodies for their grants towards the cost of this project and to the significant amount of money given by individuals, including present and former members of St Michael’s Church and members of the Castle Community Rooms friends scheme."