Thursday, 15 July 2021 12:50

The 4C Community Centre in Waterloo, Ashton, has opened its doors once again.

The vibrant community-led hub provides people with a wealth of health and social opportunities.

Tameside Council, which has been involved with the project for some time, continues to work with 4C to deliver health and social activities and services to local residents.

Jonathan Hindle, chair of the volunteer-led charity which is developing the project, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be open again. At a time where loneliness and the effects of the pandemic are being felt so harshly by so many in our community, being able to offer a facility as fantastic as the centre is so important.

“We can’t wait to see the place packed with residents and look forward to hearing their ideas and dreams for what could be done from the centre.”

Tameside Council’s Executive Leader Brenda Warrington said: “I’m delighted to see 4C opening its doors. The centre will benefit all of the community – young and old – and follows other similar models where community-led provision and facilities successfully lead on improving local people’s lives and supporting residents to thrive.

“This cooperative approach in turn saves the council money in more traditional forms of health and social care.”

The sustainable community building is located in the heart of the Waterloo community, in the grounds of Christ Church between Oldham Road and Taunton Road.

It will offer a high spec community space, bookable meeting rooms and a café. The building, which is fully accessible, is designed to limit the impact on the environment and incorporates new and traditional technologies with recycling and energy efficiency integral to the operation.

As well as Tameside Council, funding for the building has also come from National Lottery Community Fund, Social Investment Fund and Viridor Credits through the Landfill Communities Fund.

For more information on the project and to see how you can get involved go to https://www.4cashton.org.uk

The centre are also running a uniform 'swap shop' over the summer and are appealing for donations of school uniforms. You can read more on this here https://www.questmedianetwork.co.uk/news/tameside-reporter/uniform-swap-shop-at-ashton-community-centre/

Photos by Nigel Wood.