A HOUSING group has provided £250,000 to foster the rebirth of The Phoenix Centre, to provide a multi-purpose community centre.

Housing Hartlepool invested the funds to transform a disused building which is now a base for community and health services.

The centre's redevelopment has been marked by an opening ceremony, with Hartlepool MP Iain Wright unveiling a plaque.

The group's tenant liaison staff will be based at the centre, which will also be used for community activities such as training, advisory and consultation events.

The remainder of the property provides office accommodation for the Adult Services/Primary Care Trust Integrated Care Team (North).

Catherine Purdy, Housing Hartlepool's chief executive, said: "This is more than just a restoration - it's an enhancement and expansion of a valuable resource which is now available for community and staff training and development.

"The Phoenix Centre is now a focal point of the community, and is helping serve the needs and demands of the area. With its community activities and support services, it will allow tenants and residents to work even more closely together with Housing Hartlepool for the good of the estate."

Joining Mr Wright at the unveiling of the plaque were youngsters from St John Vianney Primary School, who sang a selection of Christmas carols, and there was a performance from the Backworth Colliery Brass Band.

Mrs Purdy said: "As well as having the formality of a plaque unveiling to celebrate the centre's opening, we also wanted to reflect its community links, and that is why we had fantastic young singers from a local school and music from the Backworth Colliery band as part of the proceedings."

The centre's refurbishment has included extensive structuring alterations and it now boasts a large training and conference room plus a well-equipped information technology suite.

Housing Hartlepool's Resident Participation team is also based at the centre, and the residentsled Central Estate Management Organisation has an office there.

The company has redeveloped the Phoenix Centre with the support of Hartlepool Borough Council.