A North Warwickshire community centre is embarking on an exciting new chapter after signing a new lease, paving the way to improve its facilities and attract more groups, activities and events.
Grendon Community Centre, which was built in 1974 as a youth centre and has operated as a not-for-profit charity since 2012.
It is open seven days a week and provides a home for a wide range of activities including yoga and karate classes as well as being available to hire for family celebrations and parties.
The new lease has been agreed with Warwickshire Property Management Ltd (WPM), part of Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG).
Renewing its lease has given the volunteer committee at Grendon Community Centre at Boot Hill in Grendon, near Atherstone, the confidence to press ahead with plans to refurbish the building and improve its appearance.
It will also support with applying for grants to upgrade key infrastructure including the electrical distribution system, fire detection and alarm systems.
Plans also include redecorating the interior, replacing worn flooring, creating a new patio area at the front of the building and purchasing mobile air conditioning units to make the venue even more attractive for existing and prospective users.
The committee hopes the improvements will help attract new dance schools, martial arts clubs, community organisations and local residents looking for a venue for children's parties, classes and events.
Ian Bennett, a member of the volunteer committee which runs Grendon Community Centre, said:
"The committee is constantly exploring different grants to upgrade the community centre.
"We're a charity and until we signed the renewal lease, we didn't want to go ahead with any of the refurbishment work until that was agreed. Now it has, it has given us the confidence to go ahead and improve the facilities.
"The demographics are changing in the village with more families moving here with children and we want to attract more people.
“We'd also love to hear from anyone interested in joining the committee and helping shape the future of this fantastic community asset."
WPM is part of Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG), which manages the Warwickshire County Council leased portfolio.
Mandeep Padan, Asset Manager at Warwickshire Property Management (WPM), added:
"Community centres play a vital role in bringing people together and providing spaces where local groups, families and organisations can thrive.
“This new lease gives them the certainty they need to invest in the building and plan for the future.
"The enthusiasm and ambition shown by the volunteers is clear to see and they have exciting plans to make the centre even more welcoming and accessible for the local community. We look forward to seeing the improvements take shape and the centre continue to grow as an important hub for Grendon for many years to come."
Cllr James Crocker, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property at Warwickshire County Council, said:
“Securing this lease supports Grendon Community Centre to continue its brilliant work as a focal point for the community.
“This agreement will help unlock future improvements and ensures local residents and groups can continue to benefit from this valued community space.
“Through the work of WPM, we are pleased to support the centre as it enters this next chapter.”