A well-used community centre in the heart of the Ladybrook area of Mansfield has been given a major £120,000 upgrade.
Mansfield District Council decided to modernise and revamp Brookside Hall which is used for fitness classes, parties, coffee mornings and other community events. It is also used as a food club, and for tenants’ and residents’ meetings. The funding came from the council’s Housing Revenue Account.
The 1960s-built centre has now had a new kitchen, carpets and furniture installed. Internal and external doors have been replaced and the car park has been resurfaced. There are also new ceilings with improved insulation, and new lighting and toilets.
A major part of the work was the removal of asbestos which was commonly used in vinyl tiling and its adhesive up to around 1970. Although it would have been safe to keep the old tiles in place, undisturbed, their removal means on-going maintenance and monitoring costs of the community centre will be reduced.
An opening event was held on Tuesday (23 June) attended by Executive Mayor Andy Abrahams, Portfolio Holder for Housing Cllr Anne Callaghan, ward councillor Sue Swinscoe, council officers, representatives of Mansfield building firm William Bennett Construction Ltd, which carried out the work, and volunteers of a food share club, which is run from the centre.
The Mayor said: “Brookside Hall is a very well used community centre but was looking a bit tired. It looks fantastic now after this revamp and is the perfect place for meetings and social gatherings.
“The work was carried out by local contractors, in line with the council’s procurement policy, and as well as improving facilities for residents, means the centre will be more energy efficient and will have lower maintenance costs.”
Kevin Robson and Jenny Newman, who volunteer at the food share club, were also at the opening with assistance dog Daisy, a familiar four-legged friend at the centre.
“It’s brilliant to see this investment in the Ladybrook community,” said Kevin. Jenny added: “This is where the community is and where you can get to know your neighbours and make new friends.”
The centre is on Ladybrook Lane (next to Heron Foods) and can be hired by the public with hourly charges of £6 for charities, £14 for meetings and £22 for social events. The hall is wheelchair accessible and has disabled parking.
The sale of alcohol is not permitted. Recorded music is allowed and live music, too, as long as it is not loud. Food can be prepared but not sold from the premises. To enquire about hiring, email: TSadmin@mansfield.gov.uk (link opens in email app).
Ludborough Walk Community Centre in Mansfield Woodhouse will be the next council-owned community centre to be refurbished with work expected to begin in the autumn.