Community centre shuts due to £376k revamp

A city's community centre has been partially shut for refurbishment.

Peterborough's Gladstone Park Community Centre, in Bourges Boulevard, will be done up after Peterborough City Council received a £376,000 grant from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA).

The centre is used by about 800 people a week for activities including youth football and martial arts classes, but the council said it was in "real need of a revamp". Staff will contact anyone whose bookings were affected.

As part of the project, the venue's decor, flooring and kitchen will be updated to bring it in line with fire safety regulations. Work was expected to be finished in May.

The centre, which housed a large sports hall, meeting rooms, astro turfs and tennis courts, was often hired out for community sporting events and family celebrations.

The city council said it has "exciting" plans for the centre's future which would be unveiled in due course.

Councillor Alison Jones, cabinet member for communities and housing, said: "I would like to thank the CPCA for working with us and giving us this donation which will help us modernise this much-loved facility and expand its use for the local community.

"We will be making an announcement very soon on the building's future use, which will have a really positive impact for the community."

CPCA Mayor Dr Nik Johnson said the money was made available through a government scheme.

"These centres are at the heart of our communities so I'm really pleased that the UK Shared Prosperity Fund is re-furbishing and modernising these crucial facilities," he said.

"This support will ensure that Peterborough residents can fully benefit from these spaces, bringing everyone together and really installing that community spirit."

The wi-fi at the centre will also be upgraded to help residents get online for free, thanks to funding from Connecting Cambridgeshire.

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