Posted 13th Oct 2005

Work on the much-anticipated community centre at Wade Hall, Leyland is now confirmed to start this month. Bulldozers will move in on the 24th October to begin work on the exciting £800k project that will see the rundown shops and flats on Royal Avenue demolished to make way for a state-of-the-art community centre and shops, and children's centre with a day nursery.

The development project, a joint venture between New Progress Housing Association and Lancashire County Council, has been designed in consultation with various organisations and local residents. It will provide a huge range of services to the local community including childcare facilities, outreach services, adult learning opportunities, health and welfare services, and meeting and IT facilities. The shopping amenities are yet to be confirmed but it is expected that a convenience store and food outlet will replace the current premises. Completion is expected in July 2006.

Householders on the estate have welcomed the development with open arms after watching the gradual decline of the Royal Avenue facilities over the last few years. It is hoped that the new centre will become a new focus of the community, and an invaluable resource for all residents.

Comments Bernie Keenan, Managing Director of New Progress:

'The redevelopment of Royal Avenue is a huge opportunity to restore the area to its former glory as the centre of the community.

'Commencement of the building work this month is a really positive step forward, and we are extremely grateful for the hard work and commitment of all the partners and residents that have helped us get this far.'

New Progress Housing Association is funding the new community centre and shops at a total cost of £760k. South Ribble Borough Council is contributing a donation of £20,000 towards the new community centre whilst the County Council is funding the children's centre as part of the Government's Children's Centre initiative.