Janine GriffithsVolunteers are hoping to breathe new life into a historic Cross Gates community centre and turn it into a thriving place for local people once again.
The Garden Village Welfare Association (GVWA) Community Centre on Penda’s Way was once regularly used by local groups, youth clubs and drama societies.
However, the building is now only used for a few hours each week and needs renovation.
Volunteers want to restore the centre and create a welcoming space where people from across the community can meet, take part in activities and get to know their neighbours.
The building was constructed after the Second World War, alongside many of the surrounding homes, and is currently owned by a trust.
Its grounds also include a large green behind the centre, which was previously used to hold summer fairs.
Volunteer Helen Lucy said in an interview with the BBC: “It’s in a bit of a state. We’re hoping to renovate it so that it becomes a usable asset for the community. We want it to feel like a place they think is theirs, that they can call home and that brings people together. It is underused at the moment.
“We know society is becoming increasingly isolated and people stay in their own homes and watch the telly.
“We would love it if we could have a place where they could regularly come, meet and get to know their neighbours.”
An event is being held at the centre on Saturday to raise awareness of the building and encourage people to help shape its future.
Running from 11am until 4pm, an exhibition will explore the history of the GVWA Centre, with visitors invited to share their views about what should happen next.
A lantern parade is expected to take place on the green from 7pm, later that evening.
The parade will feature music from a brass band, while a fire-eating juggler will also provide entertainment.
Volunteers plan to seek Lottery funding and other grants to help pay for the repairs and renovation needed to bring the centre back into greater use.
Volunteer Luke Murrow hopes the project can restore some of the activity which once made the centre a lively part of the local community.
“Back then there were drama societies putting on plays seemingly every month,” he said.
“There were lots of youth clubs and other things. Basically, anyone from any slice of the community could come along and find something to do.
“Our aim is for it to get to that state again where there’s something for everyone here.”
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