by Jenni Horn

A community centre has been given a £150,000 make-over.

The building on the White Road Estate in Chatham has been given a new lease of life and transformed into a hub for the community.

The new-look centre boasts a refurbished hall, a new family room, a one-to-one room for midwifery services and an outside play area for the playgroup.

Improvements including new flooring, lighting and windows throughout the building will also benefit other local groups which use the centre, including a judo club, keep fit classes and local faith groups.

The work began in the summer and was completed at the end of November.

The centre was officially re-opened by Cllr Jane Chitty, Medway Council’s portfolio holder for strategic development and economic growth.

She said: “The refurbishments to the centre have given it a new lease of life and created a place for all the local community to socialise, learn new skills and gain advice and support.

“This project is testimony to our commitment to ensure that all local communities can access and experience the benefits of Medway’s regeneration and enjoy being a part of the area’s exciting redevelopment.”

The ribbon-cutting was followed by a action-packed day of activities and demonstrations, including judo, salsa dancing and arts and crafts.

The make-over was funded by Medway Council as part of its social regeneration programme for the area. The centre will be working closely with local Children’s Centres and the newly-created nursery facility at Greenvale Infant School, to provide a complete package of family services and childcare facilities for families with children under five.

More changes coming in the New Year include a new kitchen to cater for parties and private functions and the introduction of employment support and adult learning services to the centre.