Community facilities in Southwark to be modernised

Residents living in the London borough of Southwark already have a range of great community facilities at their disposal, and soon these facilities will be even better.

Southwark Council has just announced plans to invest £3 million in the refurbishment of a range of community buildings, which are used for a variety of purposes.

Some host parent and toddler sessions and yoga classes, while others are used as youth clubs and to hold dances and get-togethers for older people.

Over the next six years more than 100 buildings will be modernised, both internally and externally, with the first 19 benefitting from £500,000 in spending in the next 12 months.

Improving health and safety will be the main priority, alongside fire safety upgrades and better access facilities for disabled people.

Ian Ritchie, chair of the Tenants Hall Working Party, said community buildings are an important part of the local infrastructure and a "total asset" for all those who live in the borough.

"Having use of these halls helps brings communities together by getting the local residents involved in activities, meetings and classes that they want to be part of," he explained.

The buildings earmarked for modernisation are located right across the borough and vary in both their size and their condition.

Councillors are currently working with representatives from tenants and residents associations to examine future plans to improve the use and management of these facilities.

Ian Wingfield, cabinet member for housing at Southwark Council, said: "We are undertaking a major review looking at how these valuable community assets can be used to their maximum potential."

Not only could the improvements benefit residents already living in the borough, but they could also boost the appeal of property to rent in Southwark among those considering a move to the area.

Posted by Ben Carter
 

Published 6th December, 2012

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