The newly transformed Ashby Community Hub has opened its doors, providing residents with convenient access to council services in the heart of the community.
The project is part of the council’s bold £5m community investment programme to better meet the needs of individual communities, improving accessibility and functionality.
Ashby Hub is the latest to open and features a variety of inspiring, flexible spaces to keep local people connected.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said:
“I am delighted to see the fantastic community resource at Ashby Hub open to residents.
“Across North Lincolnshire, people told us they wanted access to key services in locations central to them – they didn’t want to make unnecessary journeys across large areas.
“We are listening – this investment is all about bringing together support and facilities under one roof and locating them at the heart of our communities.
“Our aspiration is that the hubs will be led by the needs of the individual communities. The spaces have been designed to be adaptable in this way and I am confident that the hubs will help to enable local groups to develop and expand and ultimately improve people’s quality of life.”
The most stunning transformation is the new children’s library, which aims to help foster a lifelong love of reading for pleasure.
Using the theme ‘bringing the outside in’, the centrepiece of the new library is a wonderful tree for displaying books, toys and other imaginative items that help bring the world of books to life.
Themed seating – including bright toadstools and comfy logs – encourages little ones to get lost in a book.
Staff are on hand to offer information and guidance on all aspects of council services, from advice on kick starting a healthy lifestyle to supporting jobseekers through the Action Station.
A fully inclusive community kitchen, with height-adjustable hobs and worktops, has been fitted and a large community area offers multiple opportunities for community-led group activities.
In addition, the large amount of learning space at will provide a safe and stimulating environment for everyone, with the Adult Education & Community Learning team offering a vast range of classes.
Outside, a specialist gardening team from Normanby Hall Country Park has been drafted in to work with staff on the planting scheme for a brand new family friendly environment.
Ashby follows the launch of other community hubs at Baysgarth in Barton-upon-Humber, Scunthorpe Central, Crowle’s beautiful Market Hall and the Angel in Brigg.
The investment comes alongside substantial Government backing to support North Lincolnshire to bounce back from Covid-19.
The council’s transformation plans for Scunthorpe received the green light in the Chancellor’s budget, with investment focused on creating an advanced manufacturing park to attract more world-class engineering firms to the area and the progression of work on a health and emergency services hub.
Work to create an attractive park in the cultural heart of the town centre around Church Square is already progressing at pace, set to benefit visitors to 20-21 Visual Arts Centre and Scunthorpe Central Library, as well as students who attend the UTC.
On top of this, Government cash has also been confirmed for the development of the Able Marine Energy Park at Killingholme. This, together with the development of the new Humber Freeport, will bring thousands more well-paid sustainable jobs to North Lincolnshire.
Covid-19 restrictions have affected opening times and resource availability at the community hubs. Please check the council website before visiting: www.northlincs.gov.uk/well-being-hubs
