THE COMPLETION of long awaited repairs to a much loved and used community building in Okehampton has been welcomed by many after a £275,000 revamp.
'We're back in business' – that's the message from the town's community hub, the Ockment Centre, this month, as it shows off its new refurbishment.
Although the centre was closed through the main period of renovation, it has opened during some of the work to enable local services to continue to use the facilities.
Work to repair the roof of the centre, replace the boiler and other essential maintenance has been ongoing since July last year.
The renovations were the result of a £275,000 funding package provided by Devon County Council, an investment of £100,000 from the South West RDA as well as £10,000 from West Devon Borough Council, £6,500 from Okehampton Town Council and £25,000 capital and revenue costs from Okehampton United Charities.
Lindsey Svensson, manager of the Ockment Centre, said: 'I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to local residents and centre users for their patience while this work has been carried out. It has been a huge disruption for everyone, but I hope all will agree it has been worth it.
'The centre now boasts an excellent range of facilities for meetings and conferences, classes, workshops and other events, along with first class catering facilities to fit individual requirements.
'We hope the refurbished centre will attract new clients, who are looking for a central, convenient place to host a variety of functions at very competitive prices.
'I would also particularly like to thank the Times for their support – I am very grateful to them for the publicity they have given us.'
Local residents and businesses and representatives from the organisations who have funded the refurbishments are being invited to an official relaunch of the centre, at an open day being held on Friday, January 23.
Cllr Christine Marsh, Devon County councillor for Okehampton Rural and trustee of Okehampton United Charities, added: 'I am very pleased that through the partnerships we have been able to secure funding for the required works to be carried out on the Ockment Centre, which is pivotal to Okehampton and the surrounding villages.
'It has brought together the community and investors to secure the future of the building and its use.'
Leader of Devon County Council, Brian Greenslade, said: 'This opening is the culmination of months of hard work, and demonstrates a superb partnership between local organisations, residents, businesses, and the centre, and I wish the centre every success for the future.'
Cllr James McInnes, the leader of West Devon Borough Council, said: 'We are delighted that the Ockment Centre is back in business. It's an essential part of the fabric of life in Okehampton and the surrounding area. It provides vital services and opportunities for local people to meet and pursue common interests.
'West Devon will be working with the other agencies to ensure that the centre continues to develop and remains an integral part of the community particularly in these difficult times.'