Rochdale Borough Council is developing a new multi-purpose venue in Littleborough that will serve as a flagship community resource for families and a vibrant base for young people.

The £2.9 million project will refurbish a two-storey infant block previously occupied by Littleborough Community Primary School, which relocated to a neighbouring new building in 2023.

On completion, the site will become the permanent home of the Littleborough Best Start Family Hub.

The refurbished space will also include a dedicated youth zone and early years childcare for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years.

Plans feature consultation rooms for health appointments such as midwife checks, health visitor meetings, and optical and hearing tests, alongside large meeting rooms for wider community use.

Councillor Rachel Massey, cabinet member for children's services and education, said: "This new facility will bring vital services together under one roof, making it easier for parents, carers, children and young people to access the help, activities and opportunities they deserve on their doorstep.

-- Advertisement --

"It's so important that we have spaces like this in the heart of our communities, places that bring people together, support their needs and make a real difference in their daily lives and I’m really looking forward to seeing how this new centre supports local families.

"Not only will parents and carers benefit from the fantastic sessions delivered by our family hubs team, we’re also creating a wonderful environment for our young people to socialise, feel safe, have fun and grow with their peers.

"We're committed to giving our residents the best start in life, and I can’t wait to see this facility open its doors later this year."

The Family Hub has been operating temporarily from the local leisure centre since its former building on the same site was demolished to make way for the new school. Returning to its original location, the revamped hub will include a new sensory room, fully accessible changing facilities and external play areas.

Creating a high-quality space for young people is a key aim, with the youth zone set to include a cooking area, media room, games zone and an activity space for performances and sport.

The renovation, managed by H Bell and Sons, is scheduled to finish later this summer.

As part of the scheme, H Bell and Sons will furnish the hub’s new sensory room and donate equipment including a table tennis table, table football and games consoles with accessible controllers.

Once the work is complete, the borough will have 17 Best Start Family Hubs and six youth centres.