We have built a new community centre in Consett after the previous centre was demolished. The building of the new centre, which was mainly funded by the Big Lottery Fund, was awarded to our construction team following an open tender process, and includes a café, main hall, meeting rooms and a drop-in facility.
The building is a timber-frame construction with an external brick skin, with the works also including the grouting of a former coal seam which is approximately 15m below ground level. The project included the creation of a lobby, toilets, activity area, three meeting rooms, circulation area, two kitchens, an office, two main halls, a stores room and a plant room. As part of the external landscaping, new timber fencing, drainage and landscaping was undertaken along with the provision of a bin/buggy store.
Delivered on schedule across a timespan of just 10 months, the new building provides a space for a wide range of activities to enhance the well-being of local people and enrich community life and will live up to its name: open to all citizens including those who may be disadvantaged, vulnerable or isolated.