Hoylake community centre transferred to be run by volunteer group (From Wirral Globe)

Hoylake community centre transferred to be run by volunteer group

12:41pm Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News By Craig Manning

A WIRRAL community centre is now in the hands of a dedicated team of volunteers following completion of an asset transfer process.

Hoylake Parade Community Centre was one of several across the borough that was earmarked for community transfer under the council's strategic asset review in 2009.

Its board of trustees has now been given complete control over the building’s running, on a 99-year lease on a peppercorn rent, and is responsible for all maintenance and outgoings.

The building was saved from demolition by members of the local community more than 20 years ago and a lot of hard work has gone in to its refurbishment.

A celebration event will be held this Sunday, March 10, to commemorate this milestone and all the work that has gone in to saving the building. Mayor Gerry Ellis and Wirral West MP Esther McVey will attend.

Vaughan Williams, chairman of trustees, said: “'It is wonderful news that after over 20 years of hard work by volunteers, The Parade is now independent of the Local Authority and responsible for our own destiny.

“We have a great team in place and a beautiful, fully renovated building where we have spent around £3m creating a fantastic community facility.”

The centre is situated on Hoyle Road, it was originally built in 1909 as a Higher Elementary School. The school closed in 1988, but the building has been used as a community centre since the 1980s.

The joint management committee took over the building's lease for 25 years in 2001 at a peppercorn rent.

Mr Williams added: “We intend to continue to serve the people of Hoylake as the focal point of our local community for education, recreation and celebration for the next 100 years”.

“We are a company run by volunteers from the community and always welcome anybody wishing to help us by giving some of their time or expertise by joining our team.”

The centre is also home to a number of groups and Wednesday Special Needs Club.

A campaign to raise funds for a lift in the centre was launched in October.