Celebrations as Caia Park community centre reopens after undergoing “transformational” refurb

Over a hundred residents turned out last week to celebrate the reopening of Caia Park’s Community Hub.

The building has just completed a short but transformational building scheme that began in April 2018 – with works including an extension to the community centre’s entrance, decoration and refurbishments to external and internal areas.

The biggest change is a brand new entrance directly onto Prince Charles Road.

The work has been funded through the Welsh Government’s Communities Facilities Programme as part of a grant of nearly £380,000 that was secured by Caia Park Partnership in 2017. The buildings are owned by Wrexham County Borough Council and leased to Caia Park Partnership (CPP) on a long-term lease.

Lesley Griffiths, Assembly Member for Wrexham, said: ‘Caia Park Partnership offers invaluable services to the local community and I hope these new and improved facilities will help ensure the organisation continues to provide vital support to Caia Park residents for many years to come.

“The new centre is a great example of Welsh Government investment making a positive and tangible difference in Wrexham.”

The event saw Ms Griffiths being joined by Ian Lucas MP and the Deputy Mayor, Robert Walsh, to cut the opening ribbon, and included activities for the community including face painting and a lively disco that got everyone dancing.

Frances Hardman, chair of trustees at CPP said: “I’ve been involved with Caia Park Partnership for over 20 years, and I’m delighted to see this latest evolution of the Caia Park Centre.

“The Welsh Government’s investment is giving us a set of brilliantly refreshed and extended facilities, and I look forward to seeing it buzz with life over the coming years.”

Gary Brown, interim chief officer at CPP added: “The project represents a massive change for us in the way residents can access our buildings and services. Not just a new reception area and cafe, but a whole new entrance direct from the street.

“We’re hugely proud of our smart new space and can’t wait to welcome people into it. Thank you to all who’ve made it happen, especially TACP Architects and Read Construction who have responded brilliantly to our brief.”

Richard Heaton, managing director of Read Construction, said: “It has been a pleasure working with Caia Park Partnership on this project. We are confident the users of the facility will be delighted with the work that has been done.”