Ashfield District Council will transfer it on a 30-year lease to Ashfield Community Radio and Media Training for use by Annesley Woodhouse community groups.
The refurbishment and extension of the Acacia Avenue Community Centre and the Studio in Annesley Woodhouse is just one of dozens of projects across the country to receive a Community Assets grant, funded by the Cabinet Office and delivered by the Big Lottery Fund. Assets will be transferred to the local community to be refurbished and maintained by the local people who use the facilities.
Announced today, the £994,950 two year Government grant will enable work to start after Easter on the Acacia Avenue Community Centre to create a community hub that will serve as a ‘one stop shop’ for local organisations and services. The Portakabin building, which houses Ashfield Community Radio and Media Training will be demolished and replaced with an extension attached to the adjacent building to provide additional and accessible community training and meeting rooms.
A survey of local people was undertaken to identify the needs of the community. The work showed that the need for additional community space and facilities was required, particularly for older and younger people in the area. Potential beneficiaries of the completed building and facilities will include Community Learning Champions, Annesley School, Citizen’s Advice Bureau, First Contact, SureStart, the Mobile Library Service and Connexions.
Other activities identified as able to use the Centre include a luncheon club, Beavers and Brownies, a karate club, holiday playgroups and a healthy eating service. The contribution of these groups to the running costs through room hire will help establish and strengthen Ashfield Community Radio and Media Training’s plans for financial sustainability.
Frank Horsley, Head of Community and Economic Promotion for Ashfield District Council commented:
"We have clear and definite plans to use this substantial funding to set an example of how to inspire and delivery community empowerment.”
Frank Horsley continued:
"Effectively, that means Ashfield District Council will transform the Acacia Avenue Community Centre and The Studio and continue to work in partnership with Ashfield Community Radio and Media Training, the group who will lease and manage the facility. Doing this together will ensure the facility meet the needs of the people in Annesley Woodhouse.
"This project has been realised through the hard work of all the partners, including the Cabinet Office, who will fund the project to the tune of £994,450. It is scheduled for completion in early 2010 and Ashfield District Council is committed to the asset transfer as a way of engaging and building the capacity of local communities to enable local people to deliver their own aspirations and future prosperity."
Kevin Brennan MP, Minister for the Third Sector, said:
“The Government is investing £30 million across the country into excellent community projects such as Acacia Avenue Community Centre and The Studio. Facilities such as these are much needed by voluntary and community groups, particularly during these challenging economic times when people are increasingly calling on community support.
Mick McGrath, Big Lottery Fund, Head of Region, East Midlands said:
“This project is a great example of how funding can provide greater security and independence to local voluntary and community groups who are then better able to meet the needs of the communities they serve.”
