The future of Phoenix House hangs in the balance once again.

In 2012 the facility was threatened with closure after Swale Community Centres (SCC), which has been operating the building in Central Avenue, Sittingbourne, for more than 25 years, was served notice on its tenancy agreement.

At the same time it was told its funding would stop.

The decision meant more than 50 community and voluntary groups had less than five months to find a new meeting place.

Kent County Council (KCC), which owns the property, said it was due to the building forming part of the Spirit of Sittingbourne’s redevelopment plans.

However, it was later revealed that when the lease was due to end the site was earmarked as a temporary base for the Sittingbourne Adult Education Centre as its College Road premises were no longer fit for purpose.

After extensive media coverage, KCC eventually backtracked and extended the lease until February 2017. Its grant funding was also reinstated.

With eviction day looming, the trustees have started looking what the future holds for it and its users.

Manager Sara Seabridge said: “They believe a community centre in the heart of Sittingbourne is still very much needed and that funding will need to be secured for a new build that can continue to serve groups and members of the community.

“An initial consultation was held in 2013 to develop a design and locate suitable land in the town centre.

“SCC, Phoenix House has secured an Awards for All Lottery grant to undertake a second consultation exercise aiming to establish evidence of need for such a facility in the town.

“Swale CVS are working in conjunction with SCC to gather the opinions of local people.

“This will enable us to demonstrate the value of a central community facility to prospective funders.”

People are invited to attend two focus groups to share their views and opinions on what happens next.

They will take place at Phoenix House on Tuesday, June 16 from 6.30pm and on Thursday, June 25 at 11.30am.

A free family fun day will also be held on Saturday, July 4 between 2pm and 6pm at the same location.

There will be live music, children’s entertainment, bouncy castle, barbecue, games and a Mad Hatter’s tea party plus much more.

To fill in the online survey visit http://swalecommunitycentres.weebly.com

Forms can also be collected from Phoenix House or by calling Zoe Deveson at Swale CVS on 01795 426081 or email zoe.deveson@swalecvs.co.uk