Oxford City Council is set to start work on a £170,000 refurbishment of South Oxford Community Centre.
Councillor Bob Price, Leader of the Labour Group and Leader of Oxford City Council, said: “The South Oxford Community Centre building is a historic part of the city. It was Oxford’s waterworks for over half a century before the local community occupied it for social gatherings. The annex to the main building has never been modernised, and this refurbishment project has been the Association’s main focus for nearly 10 years. As a Ward Councillor, I am delighted that the Committee’s bid to WREN was successful and that the City Council has been able to keep the match funding in place over so many years.”
The work to the community centre’s dojo has been funded through a £50,000 grant from WREN (Waste Recycling Environmental) and £120,000 investment from the City Council.
The aim of the project is to create a modern community facility and improve access to the building, particularly for disabled people.
The work, which is being carried out by contractor Fergal Contracting Ltd, will see the dojo completely refurbished, including installing:
- Drainage for the first time
- A new disabled toilet
- Two new unisex toilets
- Two new changing rooms
- Ramps for disabled access
- New doors and windows
- New heating and electrics
It will also see the dojo – a martial arts training centre – decorated throughout.
The project will start in early September and will be completed by the end of December 2017.
Oxford City Council is committed to improving community facilities as part of its efforts to build stronger communities across the city.
The City Council opened the £4m Rose Hill Community Centre last year; is soon to complete a £4.5m refurbishment of Oxford’s sports pavilions; and next year will start work on a £500,000 revamp of Bullingdon Community Centre.
In the coming years, the City Council is planning multi-million pound investments in East Oxford Community Centre, Blackbird Leys Community Centre and Barton Neighbourhood Centre.