AN urgent call has been made for donors to help reopen Hillfields Park Community Centre.
The building, previously known as Hillfields Community Hub, was taken over by charity Hillfields Community Garden earlier this year.
Staff and volunteers are hard at work making the centre, which has been shut for over a year, ready to reopen.
But a major stumbling block is the lack of heating and hot water, because the building’s old boiler is broken.
Staff have been bringing in drinking water because of the risk of legionella and until the hot water is back online, the building will not reach the health and safety standards needed to reopen to the public.
Hillfields Community Garden has set up a donations page on the Crowdfunder website, with the aim of raising £5,000 in three months towards the cost of reopening.
As of May 9 the total stood at just over £1,000.
‘Without hot water, we’re unable to open’
Community connector Sophie Walker said: “We have been working hard on other parts of the building.
“The kitchen is nearly finished being refurbished, with new cupboards, sinks, oven and dishwasher. “The art room is also nearly finished, having had a lick of paint and new cupboards installed.
“We have two meeting rooms ready to go now and the sports hall and equipment is ready to be used.
“However, without hot water, we’re unable to open.
“This is going to be a considerable expense, with the first quote for a new gas boiler coming in at above £30,000!
“We’re planning on decarbonising by choosing an electric hot water system and relying on the electric ventilation system for heating.”
Crowdfunder and business support
The fundraising page can be found here.
The charity is also looking for businesses to donate and can be reached by emailing info@hillfieldscommunitygarden.co.uk or calling 0117 304 8045.
Picture: Hillfields Community Garden community connector Sophie Walker, centre co-ordinator Sam Hickman and chief executive Sarah Rogers in the community centre’s sports hall.