A much-loved community centre in Preston threatened with closure due to a leaking roof and antiquated heating system has been saved though an imaginative eco-makeover made possible by Foundation.
The centre, known locally as St Anthony’s Annexe, next to St Anthony’s Church in Fulwood, has be transformed into a model example of green technology, with energy efficient lighting and heating, new roof, and improved insulation.
Foundation held a local competition to find a Preston building most deserving of a green makeover, and St Anthony’s Annexe came out the resounding winner – after centre users and staff rallied round to champion the cause.
The improvements have helped to secure the centre’s future, reduce bills, slash its carbon footprint and make the building more comfortable for its users, who range from pre-school and nursery groups, to guides, scouts and Weightwatchers.
Jeannette Blinkhorn, who manages the pre-school playgroup and oversaw the improvements said: “This scheme could well have saved the centre from having to close permanently. The roof was in a really bad state, leaking all over equipment and causing huge problems. We simply didn’t know where the cash was going to come from to fix it."
The funding success has inspired a group of proactive parents, whose children use the centre, to deliver further improvements to the building, by devoting their own labour and initiative. They are currently painting the sports hall, using free paint donated from local firms.
“Things have just snowballed in the past few weeks,” Jeannette confirmed. “We’ve gone from a grim situation to one in which everyone feels very positive about the future, and wants to do their bit to help.”
Mark Turner, Foundation’s Chief Officer said: “We’re absolutely thrilled for the staff at St Anthony’s, and for the many hundreds of people who use the centre every week.
This is a great example of the type of grass-roots community scheme that Foundation is supporting across the area. We are here to help projects that improve the environment, and have a positive impact on people’s quality of life.”
