A COMMUNITY centre will open its doors to the people of Acomb on Saturday for the first time since a £760,000 extension was completed.

The Gateway Centre – housed in the former Acomb County Primary School in Front Street – now has a new multi-purpose meeting space, along with a new kitchen and café.

Centre manager Wendy Neary said that the building had been bought and renovated by the Gateway Church ten years ago, since when it had been used for a range of community activities.

It had become clear that more space was needed to accommodate everything that was happening and the decision was taken to build the 3,000 sq ft extension, which meant it could now expand its role.

“We are very excited about the opportunities the new facilities open up to develop existing activities which have proved so popular with the local community. We are also looking forward to introducing some new programmes in the coming months,” she said.

“In time, we would like to see the centre become a place where local people know they can access support and advice with a range of issues relating to their quality of life. We are keen to work with other agencies that are making a positive contribution to the community.”

She said that from 10am until 2pm on Saturday, local people were being invited to take a break from shopping and come into the centre to enjoy a family fun day, with music, games and entertainment for all ages, as well as a welcome cuppa.

Wendy said the building work had started last February and since September, many of the activities have had to be suspended.

“Regular, weekly activities include a Friday night youth club, Friday morning café for over 60’s and a parent and toddler group. “In addition, the centre is used by various community groups such as the Gateway Drop In, run by the Westfield Integrated Services Team, Acomb Babies, Stop Smoking, the Centre for Life Long Learning and others.”

She said the growing range of activities at the centre included a free debt advice service and confidential support with unplanned pregnancies. She added that more than half of the cost of the scheme had been met by the Gateway Church, with grants coming from a range of organisations including Yorventure and City of York Council.