Leeds community centre has right spirit thanks to £150,000 refurbishment

Leeds City Council has spent more than £150,000 on improvements to Cross Gates Community Centre, on Maryfield Avenue.

Prior to the work being carried out, the site was under utilised and had fallen into a poor state of repair.

Now it has been transformed into what the council describes as an “open, light and inclusive hub” that can be used by up to 20 adults with learning disabilities.

Pre-refurbishment services, which included youth provision and an over-60s club, are also continuing to operate at the building.

Improvements include the creation of a new activity space, kitchen, disabled toilet and shower room as well as upgraded lighting, ceilings and flooring.

The site’s sports hall is also due to be redecorated over the next few months, council bosses have confirmed.

The work at Cross Gates is part of the final stage of an eight-year modernisation programme for learning disability day services in the city.

Speaking after a visit to the building, the council’s executive member for health, well-being and adults, Coun Lisa Mulherin, said: “It was fantastic to see first hand what a massive difference this work has made and how much the centre has been transformed.

“This project has seen the Cross Gates Community Centre become an open, light and inclusive hub that people of all ages and abilities living in the area can enjoy together and we’ve taken another huge step on what has been an exciting journey to bring our city’s learning disability services up to date and to secure them for the future.”

The modernisation programme will see a number of new bases replacing the old Ramshead Wood day centre site in Seacroft.

It has also delivered 20 Changing Place toilet facilities across Leeds.