A NEW-LOOK community centre has celebrated the completion of nearly £500,000 worth of improvements with an open day.
The Charlbury Road centre, in Middlesbrough, now boasts up-to-date facilities to cater for local residents of all ages.
A purpose-built playgroup room, meeting rooms and play area will add to the existing activities, including dancing and computer lessons.
SureStart Pallister Park, Berwick Hills and Park End provided more than £300,000 towards the cost of the improvements, with the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund and European Regional Development Fund adding £55,000 each.
The community development site manager for Middlesbrough Council, Paul Swain, said: "In the past, the Charlbury Road Centre has been a target of vandalism, including being hit by stolen vehicles resulting in structural damage.
"But residents refused to let the centre decay and by working together we set about improving the building and surrounding area."
The Charlbury Road centre will be protected by TV security cameras in a bid to keep the exterior safe from vandals.
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