AN £800,000 community centre, which will open the door to a range of opportunities for residents, is almost complete.
The Community Initiatives' Centre cuts an imposing outline on its site, between the rear of Hindpool Close and the railway embankment at Central Estate, Hartlepool.
The centre, which is a flagship scheme of the North Hartlepool Partnership, has been developed by the Central Residents Association.
A reception and cafe area, a main hall, fitness and training rooms, an information technology training suite and a creche are among the facilities it will offer when it opens its doors in the next few weeks.
It will also be a key base from which the community can work together with local organisations to help tackle issues such as employment, and to forge closer working partnerships.
Funding for the project has been made up of £306,000 from the North Hartlepool Partnership, £253,000 from the European Regional Development Fund, £100,000 from One NorthEast's Community Investment Fund, £40,000 from Hartlepool Borough Council, £50,000 from the Northern Rock Foundation and £50,000 from other trusts.
A further grant from the National Lottery Charities Board, of £164, 700, will contribute towards the cost of salaries of staff at the centre and additional fitting-out.
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