01/02/11 - Local BBC personality opens Blakenhall Centre

The £5.7million centre features a timber frame structure, steel cladding with a ‘rust-like’ contemporary matte finish, a feature glass roof and green ‘living wall’.

The well attended opening began in the main hall with a number of performances by local people from Azaad Dhol Group and Saheli Group. Elsewhere in the centre visitors were able to join in with flower arranging, face painting and jewellery as well as watching demonstrations in Indian Ondwo cooking and children’s exercise.

Kevin Zamur, Contracts Manager commented; It was great to see the centre being used to it’s full potential today. The support and contribution of the local people was excellent. Thomas Vale are pleased to have been involved in such a prestigious and sustainable project that will bring the local community together and increase the amount of facilities in the area.‘

All Saints and Blakenhall Community Centre (ABCD) were majority funders for this project by contributing £5 million towards the total amount. The environmentally sustainable building will also include a community café, crèche, fitness suite, exercise rooms and information desk, as well as computer facilities, meeting rooms, offices and areas for training. The highly insulated building with many energy saving features will make it cheaper to run and comfortable for users.