MOSSLEY Community Centre is set for a major makeover after securing more than £150,000 in funding for improvements to its historic building and services for local families.
Based in the former Mossley St John’s School on Roughtown Road, the Victorian building dates back to 1865.
The centre has received three grants which will fund work including solar panels, new windows, improved toilets and expanded support for families and pre-school children.
More than £72,000 from the Veolia Environmental Trust will fund solar power and batteries, a new hot water system and improvements to the building’s heating.
The grant will also pay for a complete refurbishment of the centre’s toilets, improving accessibility and making them more family-friendly.
A further £51,000-plus has been secured through the Pride in Place Impact Fund to replace the building’s ageing windows, many of which are broken, as well as redecorate the centre.
The work is expected to improve insulation, reduce heating costs and provide more comfortable spaces for classes, events and parties. Work is planned to take place over the coming months.
Chris Frost, Secretary of Mossley Community Association, said: “As a registered charity and voluntary run organisation, Mossley Community Centre delivers accessible, affordable, and meaningful activities and events to the whole of Mossley and beyond.
“We lease the building from Tameside Council and securing a new 25-year lease in June this year has opened up many other opportunities. The centre is based in the old Mossley St John’s School and was built in 1865. It needs updating.
“The grants from Veolia Environmental Trust and Pride in Place will make a huge difference. It is fantastic that funding is making its way to grass root organisations who deliver what is needed in the community. Our users are looking forward to seeing the changes ahead. A huge thank you to Veolia and to Pride in Place for recognising the positive impact the voluntary sector provides.”
The centre has also received more than £33,000 from Tameside Council’s Best Start for Life Community Fund.
The funding will secure its existing Next Steps services for families from pre-birth to school entry for the next three years, while allowing it to develop sessions for children with additional needs and expand its Dad Club.
More than 600 people use the centre each week, with 22 sessions running for people of all ages.
The centre is run by eight trustees and around 60 volunteers and hosts major community events including the Spring Scarecrow Festival and Christmas Tree Festival.
The latest investment, alongside the new 25-year lease, is expected to help secure the centre’s future as an important community hub in Mossley.