The BMC has been well utilised by members of the local community and visitors from other areas for over a quarter of a century. In 2006 in excess of 22,000 people used the facilities for a very wide range of activities.

ILong term development work is required to improve the appearance of the buildings and grounds. For capital items we have pursued a project approach, identifying necessary developmental tasks in collabortion with potential funders.

The Redevelopment Programme will mainly involve modernising and modifying the buildings e.g. ensuring that disabled access meets the new Disability Discrimination Act standards and making the Centre a model of good environmental practise.

The main achievement has been the implementation of two projects to improve five meeting rooms by modernisation and reburbishment. The projects were designated as Phase 1a and 1b ("BMC Community Spaces") and cost approximately £110,000. Plans for Phase 1 were outlined and agreed by the Trustees in March 2005. A number of public bodies and private grant making trusts backed the project, and in late June we heard that funding applications to Shropshire Partnership for ERDF funding for 45% of the capital costs had been agreed. Ultimately the Project was almost entirely funded by external grants and gifts. We were delighted that this had minimal impact on running costs and charges to users. It is hoped that Phase 1c will follow shortly.

We are very grateful to all of the funders who contributed so generously to the Redevelopment project during 2005. These include The European Union Regional Development Fund, Shropshire County Council, The Tudor Trust, The Countryside Agency, Shropshire Hills AONB, South Shropshire District Council (Opportunity Fund), The Garfield Weston Trust, The Getty Foundation and Ludlow Town Council.

As a result jobs in the local economy will be safeguarded and it is hoped that several new full-time equivalent posts can be provided.