Community and voluntary groups in Ashfield will have a new space to meet, as the Ashfield Community Hub officially opened its doors today.
The Community Hub, which is free to use, is based in the Ashfield Health and Wellbeing Centre on Portland Street in Kirkby in Ashfield.
The work to refurbish the hub is part of an NHS Property Services programme to transform vacant spaces in health centres, GP practices and hospitals into areas that can be used by the community.
The ongoing costs for running the Community Hub will be funded by NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. It will be managed by Mid Nottinghamshire Place Based Partnership, who will work with local groups and organisations to ensure the space is used effectively.
Dr Thilan Bartholomeuz, local GP and Clinical Director for Mid Nottinghamshire Place Based Partnership, said: “This is a fantastic new space which is free of charge for community and voluntary groups in Ashfield. Not only will this support existing groups in the area, but we also hope it will encourage others to think about setting up a new group or class. By having a great range of activities for local people, we can support them to stay active, well and connect to others in their local community.”
Adam Hill, Chair of Mid Nottinghamshire Place Based Partnership and Chief Executive of Mansfield District Council, said: “Thank you to all the partners who have been involved in bringing the Ashfield Hub to life. We are now working with organisations in Mid Nottinghamshire, such as Ashfield District Council, Ashfield Voluntary Action and Active Notts to make sure we utilise the space in the best possible way.”
Alasdair Ben Dixon, Partner, Collective Works said: “From the first consultations at Ashfield Community Hub we saw potential for social impact far beyond the centre itself. Our role was to engage with local support networks, negotiate with stakeholders, and envision a space that could comfortably accommodate this broad brief. We’re happy the finished hub is a calm and welcoming place and hope the flexibility we designed in allows for everything from one-on-one conversations, to digital skills training, textiles workshops, and even pilates classes. It’s a real community asset, which should support diverse local needs, and help people thrive.”
Groups can book the Ashfield Community Hub or get more information by emailing nnicb-nn.ashfieldcommunityhub@nhs.net