A new community centre which has been in construction for nearly a decade has finally opened its doors in Ashton-under-Lyne.
The 4C community centre, on the grounds of Christ Church between Oldham Road and Taunton Road, has launched as a space for residents of all ages.
The building – which boasts a ‘green’ roof – includes a ‘high spec’ community space, meeting rooms that can be booked by the public and a cafe.
The ribbon was officially cut on Saturday, July 3 by the civic mayor Janet Cooper, at an event attended by councillors and Angela Rayner MP.
Independent charity Christ Church Community Developments was established in 2002 to deliver a community focussed building at the site to replace a small meeting room attached to Christ Church dating from the 1970s.
In 2012 building started on site with funding from the Big Lottery Fund and Social Investment Business as well as support from individuals and a number of trusts and donors.
Tameside council had provided £150k of funding to help complete the work.
The sustainable building, which is aimed to be fully accessible for all, has been designed to limit the impact on the environment and incorporates new and traditional technologies with recycling and energy efficiency integral to the operation.
Officers say that 4C have connected with the town hall and Multiple Sclerosis Society to prepare for pending government funding to install a ‘changing places’ facility in a collaborative bid with the council.
Changing places are fully accessible toilets designed with generous space and equipment to meet the needs of all people with disabilities.
Speaking at a meeting of the strategic planning and capital monitoring panel, council leader Brenda Warrington said she had first visited the building around four years ago.
“From then to now I think there have been a few little hurdles along the way but give it to the volunteers that have been very tenacious they’ve really stayed with that project,” she told members.
“To see the finished project now is absolutely incredible. If anyone gets the opportunity to go and visit and have a look around you’ll see just what an asset it certainly is going to be in Tameside.”
She added: “And what I was so impressed with, it looks amazing inside the way it’s been developed and set out. But almost everything in the interior, the furniture for example and the facilities in the cafe, they’ve all been donated.
“The cafe is really on the likes of a nice Victorian type tea room and I can’t wait to go in and have a slice of cake and a cup of tea.
“All the decoration has been done by volunteers and just about everything in there that isn’t a door or a wall has been gifted or donated.
“It’s been a real joint effort from many, many people.”
In a statement, Jonathan Hindle, Chair of Christ Church Community Developments, said “We are absolutely delighted to be opening the centre.
“At a time where loneliness and the effects of the pandemic are being felt so harshly by so many in our community, being able to offer a facility as fantastic as the centre is so important.
“We can’t wait to see the place packed with residents and look forward to hearing their ideas and dreams for what could be done from the centre.”
