One of Bristol's busiest and most loved community buildings has received a major funding boost to completely refurbish and extend its premises.

St Werburghs Community Centre, a former Victorian primary school which serves some of Bristol’s most deprived communities, is to receive £1 million.

Despite its existing facilities being in poor decorative order, the centre is a major community asset serving a very vibrant and diverse neighbourhood.

The grant has been made by the Office of the Third Sector and is aimed at refurbishing Council-owned assets with a view to handing them over to the voluntary and community sector. Following structural repairs to the property by the Council, the capital grant will enable the building to be completely refurbished. In addition, a new annexe will be built at the rear of the current building to provide much needed extra space for existing and new activities.


Councillor Helen Holland, Leader of Bristol City Council, said: "The City Council is totally committed to working with partners to make the best use of our City's assets. It is great to see the government encouraging local authorities to work in this way and backing that with real resources.

"Having long been a supporter of St Werburghs Community Centre, I know that this money will have a major impact, transforming an already well-used and well-loved community centre into a modern neighbourhood hub fit for the 21st century and able to make a difference to more local people than ever before."

(JM)