A SOCIAL club has reopened in Great Baddow after a £3.3million makeover.

Developer SEH French was asked by Crest Nicholson, which is building 250 homes nearby, to rebuild the delapidated Marconi Social Club, in Beehive Lane, as part of the deal to construct the properties.

The new two-storey structure consists of three bars, four meeting rooms, a kitchen, squash courts, snooker room, gymnasium and function hall with a capacity of 330 people.

The venue is available for private hire events such as wedding receptions and will also host a number of regular weekly events including zumba and jive dancing sessions.

Veronica Reed, manager of the club, said she was “delighted” with the new building.

She added: “What’s made it even more special is that SEH French has included the staff in the plans and we were able to make suggestions and comments about what went into the building so we have a real sense of pride and ownership in the finished article.

“It’s an incredible improvement and I can’t praise SEH French highly enough for its attention to detail and vision for the building.”

Simon Girling, director of SEH French, said the project has been “fantastic” to work on.

He added: “Working closely with the staff of the existing social club has given us a real insight into what their personal requirements were and how we could construct a building that met everyone’s needs.

“It’s great to hear it’s been so well received and we hope even more members join the club so the building becomes a true social hub for Chelmsford.”