Newydd Housing Association is delighted to announce a new lease agreement with Glamorgan Voluntary Service (GVS) for the new community centre at St Paul’s Church in Penarth.
Newydd is delivering the community space for local people, in partnership with the Vale of Glamorgan Council, as part of a £3million development which also provides apartments for affordable rent to people working and living in the area.
To help enrich and engage local communities within the area, the Vale of Glamorgan Council released £400,000 funding from the section 106 planning obligation from the redevelopment of the Billybanks estate to support Newydd to deliver the community facility.
Newydd worked with local residents, the Council and community organisations to redevelop the site ensuring the façade of the existing church was kept. Newydd employed contractors WK Plasterers Ltd to build this multi-purpose community centre and 14 one and two bedroom apartments.
Cllr Lis Burnett, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration, said, “The community facility will be the centrepiece of this development that provides much needed affordable homes for the area. As well as giving local people a space for parties and events, the two multipurpose halls, offices, kitchen and toilet facilities will provide an ideal base for charities and not-for-profit groups to provide activities and support for Penarth residents. The Council has worked closely with Newydd throughout the design and construction of the scheme and I am looking forward to see it coming to fruition.”
Rachel Connor, Chief Executive Officer of Glamorgan Voluntary Services said, “GVS is delighted to be taking on the lease for the St Paul’s Community Centre in Arcot Street, Penarth. It’s a great development and the building will be a tremendous asset to the local area. We have experience of running community centres and we have lots of plans for the use of the building but will be looking for local input and support to make sure that we provide the services and activities that the community needs and wants.”
Clive Curtis, GVS Operational Manager, will be responsible for the new centre. He said, “We are very much looking forward to working with the local community to make St. Paul’s a success. Working in partnership with local voluntary and community groups will also be key to ensure that St. Paul’s Community Centre is well and truly embedded within the community and becomes a real asset for all.”
