Official Launch of the New South Reading Community Hub

A MULTI-USE community building in south Reading will open its doors to the public next week.

The new South Reading Community Hub provides a library, children’s centre, Sure Start Whitley Day Nursery, community meeting spaces, a community café & social club and much more. Members of the public are invited to explore the new facility in Northumberland Avenue during an official open day on Tuesday 26th June. Guided tours will take place at 11am, 2pm and 6pm, with staff and volunteers on hand to show people what is on offer. The new community hub is being launched following a six-month project to transform the former South Reading Community Centre into a modernised and more attractive resource for the people of Whitley. South Reading Community Hub includes: · A variety of regular groups and activities. · a new home for Whitley Library · improved and more visible children’s centre with a new dedicated outdoor play area · Sure Start Whitley Day Nursery · upgraded access, building frontage, signage and forecourt · community meeting space · upgraded kitchen · better toilet facilities · a new office for shared use by Council staff and partners · a vibrant community café and social club The project has also allowed a new pathway to be created to provide a pedestrian link from The Well Church behind the centre, where extra car parking has also been agreed for regular user groups. This is one of a number of new community hubs being developed by the Council, creating vibrant multi-use centres providing services and facilities for the community in one convenient location, and making better use of public buildings. A steering group, including local community representatives, worked together on the plans for the new community space and feedback from local people helped shape the final design. Whitley Community Development Association, supported by the Council, had already funded works to improve the community café and social club they run at the centre.

Cllr Sophia James, Lead Councillor for Neighbourhoods & Communities, said:

“This is a fantastic new facility for people in the Whitley area. With the library, children’s centre and community facilities brought together in one place it gives people easy access to a wide range of services. “The community hub will also continue to provide a valuable meeting space for local groups and organisations. “I would like to congratulate everyone who has been involved in this successful project and I am sure the new hub will be well used and enjoyed by many members of the community.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

Photo Opportunity: Media are invited to send a photographer/reporter to the official opening of the South Reading Community Hub, carried out by Reading Mayor Cllr Deborah Edwards, at 252 Northumberland Avenue, Whitley, RG2 7QA at 11am on Tuesday 26th June.