RESIDENTS of a social housing project in Reading are dee-lighted with the latest addition to the development.
More than 300 people turned out for a fun filled day to mark the opening of their new community centre.
Locals dee-cided the new centre in Dee Park should be called Dee Space and celebrated with a community event with a raft of activities from a steel band to face painting.
Joys Catering, a local enterprise, provided free Caribbean and British food, while The Ranikhet Children’s Centre, part of the Dee Space building, hosted a petting zoo for children.
The new building is a joint project between housing association Peabody and Reading Borough Council.
Nestled in the heart of Dee Park, it offers local people a new hall, children’s centre, and meeting rooms. Reading’s Deputy Mayor, Glenn Dennis was among those who enjoyed a tour of the building which is available to hire for clubs, community groups, events and parties.
Resident Naudia Nelson praised the new centre: “Dee Space has been long awaited, and now we have a community space that will benefit everyone. I really enjoyed the day, and it was wonderful to see the community come together and celebrate.”
Sahil Khan, director of community strategy, partnerships and funding at Peabody, said: “It’s excellent to see the much-anticipated Dee Space now being used by local people, bringing everyone together for events, projects and celebrations.
“We’re looking forward to seeing how it will further strengthen the brilliant sense of community in the area.”
A number of groups have already started to use Dee Space, including the Ranikhet Children’s Centre. Grassrootz, a local youth group, are set to start sessions this week which will include arts and crafts, sports and games, a mentoring programme and day trips.
The Dee Park regeneration has transformed a 40-year-old residential estate into a new living environment. Over 500 new homes have been delivered, with 177 social rent, 10 shared ownership and 268 private sale homes, alongside a 60-unit new extra-care facility.
The scheme also includes improved landscaping, open spaces and play areas, shops, and Dee Space.
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Cllr Ellie Emberson, Lead Councillor for Housing at Reading Borough Council, praised the new centre: “We’re really pleased to see the Dee Space facility opened in partnership between Reading Borough Council and Peabody.
“To have such a good turnout of residents for the opening shows the enthusiasm locally for such a great space. As a Council we’ve always recognised that such centres are a key to help communities come together, with this facility complementing twelve council owned and operated community centres around the borough.
“The Dee Park regeneration project has made a big difference to residents locally and we continue to work with Peabody to deliver more affordable homes for our residents.”
