Arc Community Hub is officially opened by Stef
LOUGHBOROUGH’S Arc Community Hub, has officially opened.
The Arc is a new community centre in South Loughborough and its doors were officially opened by five-time world record holder and Arc ambassador, Stef Reid.
Stef led the official ribbon cutting ceremony in front of a large crowd of nearly 200 people and was joined by children chosen to represent the three local schools.
Paul Gadd, chair of the Grange Park Centre (GPC) charity which will be operating the centre told the Echo: “We are so thrilled that Arc Community Hub is officially open.
“This is a real moment of celebration of over 10 years of hard work by a wide range of volunteers to turn a vision of a community building into reality.
“But the point has never been to simply build a building, rather to help build community. This is only the beginning of the story as we undertake to run projects in the community and facilitate groups to run from here.”
The GPC charity is working with the communities of Shelthorpe Ward - which includes Shelthorpe, Grange Park and Haddon Way - with the vision of creating the community centre as a shared space.
Visitors to the open day at the centre, which is based on the on the Grange Park estate, had the opportunity to view the facilities, meet groups already hiring the centre, and enjoy refreshments kindly donated by Tesco, Morrisons, Waitrose, and the Co-op.
The event had a Christmas theme thanks to Dunelm who donated Christmas trees and decorations to the Arc, and a member grant from Coun Gill
Bolton.
Children enjoyed soft play, crafts, and a chance to meet Father Christmas in his magical Grotto.
A stage was kindly loaned to the Arc by Stage Systems, and it enabled special displays of Irish dancing, drumming, and singing by local choirs.
Jo Lipman, secretary of GPC said: “It was so exciting to see the community come together in the Arc for the first time. It offers an amazing platform to do great things in our community – we are looking forward to announcing new groups and activities in the New Year.”
The Arc will provide a new space for the residents in the area to engage in activities such as counselling, advice, training for older people in IT skills, parent and toddler groups, fitness and gardening classes as well as youth clubs and private events.
Paul added: “I would like to thank the trustees and working committee who have invested so much time and energy into the fund raising, working through the construction phase and practical skills to bring the vision into reality.
“So many funders, organisations, groups, local authority, local MP, businesses and individuals have been involved. Many volunteers from the local community have come forward to help with many practical items such as painting and decorating, fitting cabling, putting up blinds and shelving.
“It’s been a real thrill to see the community working together to get it ready in time for the opening.
“We particularly want to take the opportunity to thank the Big Lottery for their financial backing, and support over many years, without who this would not have been possible.”
With part funding from a trust, a part-time time centre manager has recently been appointed to help with the practical operation of the centre, overseen by the working committee.
If you would like to hire facilities or get involved with the project and help make a difference in the lives of those living in the local community please email help@thearccommunityhub.