'We want to be a part of the regeneration of Kirkby' - How The Ashwood Centre could soon change
Project leaders are chasing a £2.3m funding boost to make an ambitious scheme to build a new state-of-the-art community hub in Kirkby a reality.
Ashwood Church wants to develop a new purpose built centre to bring community groups from around town together on the site of the current Ashwood Centre on Portland Street.
They say the ageing facility is no longer up to scratch and bigger and more accessible premises are now needed.
“We have got an external company looking at our fundraising strategy, but within the next two years we have got to get the other £2.3m,” said Claire Bell, senior leader at Ashwood Church.
“We are looking at ways we can do that. We would love it if some of the money that is coming into the town through the various different funds came our way.
“This building isn’t really fit for purpose any more because of its leaks, asbestos and costs.
“It is a very old building and we want to be a part of the regeneration of Kirkby and put an amazing building on this site for generations to come.
“People have been coming here for years and years and we want their children to keep coming here for years.
“The funding scene across the nation is tough at the minute. Everyone is going for similar pots of money, but there is money out there.
“We have got a track record of serving the community and using money well. This building is in desperate need of pulling down and when you see the plans and images as to what could be done with this space, it is very exciting.”
Ashwood Church has been involved in the running of The Ashwood Centre for 25 years.
The building currently plays home to a number of community groups such as the U3A and Slimming World and is also home to a cafe every Monday morning and the popular See-Saw toddler play group.
“Our church is growing and a lot of groups just don’t fit in here any more,” explained Claire. “This project has been going on well before COVID, in terms of us wanting somewhere new.
“We looked at other options, but staying on this site is where we find home and we are really happy.”
She believes improved facilities are also vital in helping the church offer much-needed support to Kirkby folk who may be in need of help.
“We are a church in the community and it is a place for people to find faith, but actually it is a place where people find so much more,” added Claire “It is combatting loneliness, it is training, it is support.
“We find all sorts of people coming to our cafe, predominately it is a loneliness thing. We do lots of things as Ashwood Church, but our heart has always been that this is a community building.
“We have testimony after testimony on how See-Saw has been a life-saver and helped people find friends.
“The other big part is the other groups that come here and hire, and that is so important to us. This is like a hub in the community and one that has grown over the years, which is why we have outgrown it.”