Members of the public are invited to attend the re-opening to have a look around the newly improved facility and find out more about the activities that take place there.
Hilary Benn MP will be there to formally open the centre, which has benefited from a capital investment of £250k from Leeds City Council.
The new centre will provide a hub for the local community that is accessible to all and contribute to the overall regeneration of the area.
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Media are invited to attend the official re-opening of the Richmond Hill Community Centre, Long Close Lane, Leeds, LS9 8NP at 10.45am on Friday, 18 November, to take photographs and speak to councillors about the refurbished centre.
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Over recent years there have been changes to how the council delivers many of its services, resulting in a number of council buildings in the area being declared surplus to requirements. To support regeneration in the area, cash from the sale of the Richmond Hill Day Centre together with funding from the inner east area management committee has allowed the community centre to be upgraded, making it a sustainable and attractive venue.
Councillor Geoff Driver, lead member for adult social care services in Leeds said:
“This is a great example of the council working with the community to make sure that there is a good quality, well located, flexible centre that everyone can use and have access to.
“A much wider range of services than before will now be available from the centre, making it a real hub of activity for the people living in the area.
"This event is a great chance for members of the local community to come and have a look at the improved facilities, and find out about activities that they can get involved in that could help them make improvements in their lives.”
Councillor Graham Hyde, chair of the inner east area committee said:
“The new centre is a flagship facility that this community can be really proud of.
“Although the number of council buildings has reduced, there are now a wider range of services available to residents in the local area. Rationalising the number of buildings we own and maintain has enabled us to invest in improvements to the centre, making it fit for purpose and sustainable for the future.
“I hope that it continues to benefit the whole community for a great number of years.”
The council consulted with existing and prospective new users of the site to develop a refurbishment plan. The aim of the plan was to develop the site and encourage better use by the local community.
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For media enquiries, please contact;
Claire Macklam, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 395 1578
Email: claire.macklam@leeds.gov.uk
