Residents in Potters Bar are benefiting from new and improved facilities at Elm Court Youth and Community Centre following a major upgrade to the centre’s kitchen.
Hertsmere Borough Council’s Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) funded £30,000 of the cost to support the project which has created a modern, safer and more energy-efficient space that will support community activities, learning opportunities and youth programmes for years to come.
The funding was used to modernise the centre's kitchen, create two dedicated workstations, install more energy-efficient appliances and upgrade a fire door.
The improvements are intended to make the kitchen safer, and more accessible for the many community groups, educational, faith, youth and recreational groups that use the centre.
Cllr Newmark, Leader of the council said :
Elm Court plays a vital role in the heart of the Potters Bar community, bringing people of all ages together through a wide range of activities and services. This investment has transformed a well-used community facility into a modern space where residents can come together, learn practical skills and take part in a wider range of activities, and a meeting place for faith communities.
It’s great to see CIL funding supporting these improvements that will help the centre expand the opportunities it can offer residents, from skills and learning programmes to community events, while ensuring it remains a safe and modern facility for future generations.”
Margaret Ohren, Chair of Elm Court said:
We are very grateful to Hertsmere Borough Council for their support for this project. Our new and improved kitchen will make a real difference to the many people who use the centre, ranging from community and sports groups to those hiring the centre for parties and celebrations. Having the two workstations will allow us to offer a training space where young people can develop essential life skills, gain confidence and independence, building valuable employability skills for the future.
I would also like to pay tribute to our wonderful volunteers and trustees. Their commitment, time and enthusiasm have been instrumental in bringing this project to life and they continue to play a vital role in ensuring the centre remains a welcoming and vibrant facility for our local community.”