Popular community centre to get £250k make-over (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

Leeds Liberal Democrats <info@leedslibdems.org.uk>

Popular community centre to get £250k make-over

February 17, 2010 12:00 AM

Plans for a major refurbishment of Richmond Hill community centre are set to get underway as planning permission for an extension to the building is granted.

The centre's users have already been consulted on the design of the exterior of the building. Now they will be asked to choose furniture, a preferred layout and a colour scheme for the interior as the inside of the whole building will get a complete make-over.

The new extension will house a state-of-the art IT-suite and it is hoped that Youth Services and Jobs and Skills will use the space to provide advice and guidance for people in the area looking for jobs and training.

The new lay-out will create an open plan meet and greet area. All of the inside space will be transformed with new flooring, seating and storage. The existing heating and lighting systems are to be replaced to make the building more environmentally efficient. An upgrade of the toilets and a new mother/baby changing area as well as new doors and ramps will make the building more accessible and user friendly.

Plans for the outside of the building include new signs, fencing, seating and a gardening area. Work will begin on the interior in April and all work including the extension are planned to be completed by the end of June.

Cllr David Hollingsworth (Lib Dem, Burmantofts and Richmond Hill) said:

"We want to get as many different views about what the centre should look like as possible. The fact that users of the building are so involved in the design process means they will feel a real sense of ownership and this will encourage more people to use the centre.

"Richmond Hill Community Centre has been in need of refurbishment for some time so I am delighted that the project is moving forward and work will be finished this summer. This together with the refurbishment now underway at Ebor Gardens community centre is fantastic news for local residents and community groups in my area.