Type=image;ImageID=5156;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Opening of The Hub at Ashmore Park;TitleClass=strong;
The Hub at Ashmore Park, on Griffiths Drive, boasts a community centre, library, fitness centre, café and sports facilities and is home to a wide range of community groups and organisations.
It has been developed by Wolverhampton City Council thanks to support from the local community. Much of The Hub has been available for use by the public for the last few months, but last Saturday's official opening marked the final piece of the jigsaw with the relocation of Ashmore Park Library to its new home.
Councillor Elias Mattu, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure and Communities, said: "I was honoured to be asked to open The Hub at Ashmore Park and the opening event was very well attended.
"I'm delighted that the facility is now officially open to the public - it really is fantastic and offers a wide range of services from under one roof.
"I'd like to thank all the local residents and community groups who helped shape the proposals and bring them to fruition, and for bearing with us while the work to develop the hub took place."
Ann Wood, chair of Ashmore Park Community Association said: "We are delighted that the hub is now fully open to the public. The volunteers have worked incredibly hard over the past 18 months to ensure that we have a facility that is fit for the future.
"We look forward to welcoming the local community to our new home whether they want to keep fit, take part in a class or make use of the library and IT facilities."
The creation of The Hub at Ashmore Park has seen a glass and steel extension built to house the library and link together 2 existing community buildings on Griffiths Drive, both of which have been fully refurbished. As part of the redevelopment, both the library and Ashmore Park Community Centre have moved from former premises nearby.
The new library is staffed for 24 hours per week, with a self service machine available allowing users to borrow and return books when staff are not on duty.
The Hub's EasyLine Gym and sports hall offers a wide range of physical activities in a friendly and welcoming environment, while there are also showers and changing facilities.
The centre also has 6 multi purpose community rooms, available to hire for meetings, classes, group activities and parties, lounge, kitchen and IT facilities, and a café serving a range of hot and cold drinks and light refreshments.
For more information about The Hub at Ashmore Park, please visit Type=links;Linkid=4175;Title=The Hub;Target=_blank;, call 01902 552490 or email info@ashmoreparkca.org.
The hub is one of a number of new facilities which have been developed around Wolverhampton over the last couple of years. They include Pendeford Community Hub, Long Knowle Community Hub and Wednesfield Community Hub which opened earlier this year, and Low Hill Community Hub which is due to open in the next few months.
- released: Tuesday 16 September, 2014