Councillors have pledged £100,000 towards the cost of a new community centre in Jericho, Oxford.

The new centre will be built in Dawson Place.

The building will replace city council-owned garages and link up with a proposed housing development next to the Oxford Canal.

The facility could also be supported by National Lottery funding and would replace the cramped community centre in Canal Street.

Following the decision at a city council executive board meeting, Colin Cook, a councillor for Jericho and Osney, said: "We need to send out a signal that we're serious about providing community facilities in this area because they are much needed."

Councillors hope to open the new community centre by 2005.