Farringdon Park Community Centre

A report has been submitted to the Preston Council‘s cabinet about the future of Farringdon Park Community Centre.

The centre was threatened with a closure in 2013 when the group who ran the centre went bust.

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It was reopened after a bid from the Residents Association of Farringdon and Thirlmere to take over the building was placed, and Farringdon Park CIC took over management, however the council had concerns that the group didn’t have the skills, funding or experience to manage the building.

The purpose of the latest report was to update the Cabinet following the 12-month review of the running of the centre and to agree an extension of the rent free period. Farri Park CIC are a non-profit organisation running the centre.

They deliver a variety of community based activities for all members of the local community on a daily basis which include activities for young people as well as targeting adults.

Photo Credit: Farringdon Park Community Centre Facebook – Taekwondo Session

In the 12-month period the centre has been transformed and now offers activities and events which are ran by volunteers, such as mother and toddler sessions, breakfast club, youth clubs and an over 50’s group.

The centre is also available for hire of individual rooms, the main hall, the kitchen area and a hot desking facility which is available at very competitive prices.

Councillor Martyn Rawlinson said: “The centre is well used by the local residents and is a vital asset to that community.

“Preston Council continue to face massive financial pressures due to government cuts but waiving the rent on the facility will not break the bank and the benefits far outweigh the cost.”

Cabinet are recommended to approve a further rent-free year for Farringdon Park Community and latest development will be discussed at a meeting at Town Hall on Wednesday 9 November.

Have you visited Farringdon Park Community Centre? Do you think it should continue? Let us know in the comments below