Leigh Community Centre – A Bright Future

November 17, 2014 by Mike

Leigh Community Centre – A Bright Future

At the heart of Leigh life, and growing day by day, is Leigh Community Centre in Elm Road which celebrates its centenary in 2014.

A momentous turnaround for a building which only a little while ago was threatened with, at the best mothballing, at worst demolition, and saved from either by the swift action of Leigh Town Council. A momentous century indeed!

Everything changed for the Centre in 2011 – the threat of redevelopment loomed large when the Adult Education College announced its move to Belfairs. The building had not been used as a proper community centre for years – how could a much loved building be saved and provide future services to the community?

Leigh Town Council saw the anger and dismay of residents, and felt the same. So they consulted the town and the town responded almost with one voice. The Community Centre should be saved and Leigh Town Council should run it.

With a lot of hard work from councillors and staff, which continues today, some refurbishment and the support of the community, we now have a revitalised Leigh Community Centre, cafe and venue for family events, concerts, health and fitness classes, kiddies’ groups, U3A groups and a whole range of cultural activities.

From being for decades the focal point for local organisations and a centre for the community to come together during the darkest times to a period of retreat during the last 20 years or so, a building we love has been brought back to life and will support future generations of the Leigh community.


The old girl still needs some TLC and the work goes on, but the future is bright.


To become a Friend of Leigh Community Centre go to www.leighcommunitycentre.com
 
The Friends organise events throughout the year to buy those added little extras that enhance the Centre.

The next Friends’ event is the Centenary celebrations on 8 November pop in to reception to find out more.