Cheltenham community hub reopens with overwhelming support

A former community centre in Cheltenham reopened on 17 January as Common Ground after volunteers helped complete the first phase of refurbishment, following a 35-year lease negotiated by Cheltenham Borough Council.

The former St Marks and Hesters Way Community Centre in Cheltenham has reopened as Common Ground after closing last year because of financial constraints. The building, which dates from the 1940s, formally reopened on 17 January following completion of the first phase of refurbishment. Cheltenham Borough Council negotiated a 35-year lease with new tenants for the site. The Community Interest Company Mission Inclusion will run the hub and plans to offer educational, cultural and wellness services. Key details: - The centre closed last year due to financial constraints and has now reopened with help from volunteers. - Volunteers who helped with the refurbishment contributed about 5,000 hours in recent months. - The building dates to the 1940s and formally reopened on 17 January after phase one of work. - Cheltenham Borough Council arranged a 35-year lease and the centre has been renamed Common Ground. - Mission Inclusion plans classes such as yoga, meditation and dance, and wants to hire space for family and community events; it aims to raise around £1m for further renovations through income, fundraising, sponsorship and donations. - Cheltenham Borough Council, Gloucestershire County Council and the Sumerfield Trust supported the project, and a local councillor commented on the hub's inclusive ethos. Summary: The reopening brings a much-loved local facility back into community use and sets out a programme of activities and room hire to help sustain the centre. Further renovation phases remain and Mission Inclusion is seeking about £1m through a mix of income, fundraising, sponsorship and donations to complete them. Local authorities and a trust supported the lease and the reopening as the group begins its operations.