Booming community centre

BUSINESS is booming at the Hillcrest Community Centre in Newhaven.

BUSINESS is booming at the Hillcrest Community Centre in Newhaven.

The centre s hall is now fully booked every weekday evening and a waiting list has had to be started for other community groups wishing to use it.

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And the centre s end of year report has been a cause of celebration for its board and staff.

Lydia Garcia, Hillcrest Community Centre project development director, said: Newhaven residents are continuing to support the activities and the annual report reflects the tremendous work by everyone.

End of year accounts, discussed at the Hillcrest s recent annual meeting, show a reduction of outgoings by 60 per cent and an increase in rental income of more than 25 per cent.

Mrs Garcia said this was the result of streamlining administration and making the most of all facilities within the centre, such as the cafe, to maximise profit.

Revamped

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The layout of the centre has also been revamped. Everyone is delighted with the relocation of the reception area, which is now on the ground floor and open every day between 9am and 2pm. The lower ground floor now reflects how the community centre will look when further funds are obtained, added Mrs Garcia.

The centre is also now home to Newhaven Volunteer Bureau and Breakaway Supported Employment, a provider of work for adults with learning difficulties.

It has installed two cycle stands to meet an increase in bike use and disabled parking bays are being marked out.

A Healthy Lifestyles course begins at the centre on October 23 at 7pm. For further information on the 10-week course call Dex Allen on 07812 105676.

For further information on the Hillcrest Centre call 01273 512376.

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