HCA News
Great News!
We can finally build the new Community Centre on the recreation ground, thanks to major funders.The Hiltingbury Community Association has successfully obtained a substantial grant from the Big Lottery Fund. This grant, together with major grants already obtained from The Veolia Environmental Trust through the Landfill Communities Fund; Hampshire County Youth Service and Eastleigh Borough Council will enable us to finally build a Community Centre on the Hiltingbury Recreation Ground.
The new Community Centre will provide a much-needed leisure and recreational facility for the benefit of all of the community. It will enable the development of a broad range of out of school activities for local children, house pre-schools and toddler groups and provide an exciting, purpose designed space for local youth groups.
Mike Hughes, the Chairman of the Community Association said, "It has been a major challenge to achieve the necessary funding to build a Community Centre in Hiltingbury. However, we are delighted to now be able to fulfil our vision of creating a building which can act as a central hub for community activities. It will move us a long way forward in creating a heart to this community and the benefits to everyone, from young to old, will be enormous."
Alison Rowe, Big Lottery Fund Head of the South East region, said: "The Community Buildings programme funds buildings that are a focus for neighbourhood activity and house a range of activities that meet communities' needs. Hiltingbury Community Association's project will have lasting effects for many people and BIG is pleased to be supporting such a worthy venture."
Executive Director of The Veolia Environmental Trust, Margaret Cobbold, said: "This is great news for the project as it means that Hiltingbury Community Association can now create this important community facility. Those involved need congratulating on all their hard work so far. I look forward to seeing the project get underway."
The building will have on the ground floor an entrance area, a meeting room and a medium sized hall. There is a first floor which will be designed to create an environment suitable for youth activities and will largely be used by the Hampshire Youth Service. It is anticipated that building works will commence in May this year with completion early 2009.
Celebrating the good news!
Notice:
Our A.G.M was held on Tuesday 22nd January 2008. Thanks to those of you who came.Youth Links
HCA are very proud to be developing partnership links with the young people who attend clubs at the Basement Youth Centre (situated down the long alley next to the Infant school).
Young people assisted with the development of the successful funding bid to the Youth Capital Fund and look forward to having their own base in the brand new building.
For more information contact Tessa Pittick: tessa.pittick@hants.gov.uk.
