Revamped community centre re-opens

A community centre at the heart of a regeneration project has officially re-opened after an extensive revamp.

Ingram Gardens community centre has undergone a major transformation ahead of nearby properties in Holbeck being refurbished as part of the council’s housing regeneration project.

The council’s partner sc4L and Keepmoat overhauled the centre inside and out, and local residents were able to enjoy their regular coffee morning in new surroundings for the first time this week after an official opening.

Work completed on the centre includes re-roofing, new central heating, kitchen, laundry, disabled toilet, entry and security system, new windows and doors, insulation, floor coverings and lights as well as repointed brickwork and re-wiring and complete redecoration.

Outside, the building has new boundary walls, paths and landscaping.

The community centre’s planned upgrade was timed specifically to be completed before works to homes in neighbouring Ingrams and Balms estates gets underway this month.

Bringing the homes up to date and making them more energy efficient involves installing new kitchens, bathrooms, insulation, central heating, rewiring and new doors.

So, the new community centre also benefits from a temporary wet room that tenants can use while work is carried out in their home.

Councillor Debra Coupar, executive member for communities, said:

“The investment in the housing regeneration project is so much broader than the homes we’re refurbishing and building as the renovation of the community centre so ably demonstrates.

“For the housing regeneration project to be truly considered a success we need to ensure there are appropriate facilities that the community can come together and use.

"It’s great to have been working so closely with the ward members on the improvements at Ingram Gardens and I feel honoured to have officially reopened the building. I hope local residents will take every opportunity to enjoy their transformed community centre.”

“Christine Davies, local resident and coffee morning organiser, said:

“The makeover at the community centre is marvellous. It’s always been a popular place but now people will really be able to relax and enjoy their cuppa, meeting or event in much more luxurious surroundings.”

Jon Hinchliff, sc4L general manager, said:

“Along with the homes we’re working on, the community centre not only looks better but is a much more comfortable and accommodating venue to use and will remain at the heart of the community for years to come.”

Sean Corcoran, Keepmoat regional director, said:

“In keeping with the housing regeneration project’s aims of providing jobs and development opportunities, three Keepmoat apprentices – roofer, plumber and joiner – who are all at different stages of their apprenticeships, worked on the centre’s renovation. The project enables Keepmoat to expand the apprentices’ construction skill across a variety of different building types, refurbishment and new build.”

Refurbishment work on the centre started on 26 May and was completed by 14 July.

Refurbishment work has started in the Ingrams area and will start in August in the Balms area.