A COMMUNITY centre has re-opened after a six-month renovation project saved it from potential closure.
St John’s Community Centre in Penistone received a raft of essential work to modernise the building and bring it in line with safety regulations.
Nigel Bailey, clerk at Penistone Town Council, said: “The building was no longer compliant with fire and safety rules.
“We had planned works but Covid and then high prices led to a delay.
“At a point last summer it was clear that we would have to either close or work at a reduced capacity, which would not have been viable.”
The building underwent work to update its fire regulations, installing two new fire doors to increase capacity, which happened alongside extensive removal of asbestos in the building.
A new boiler was also fitted, replacing the old and unreliable one from before.
Nigel added: “Before there wasn’t a focused or consistent plan, little bits had been gradually fixed as they became outdated.
“However, now we have tried to be forward thinking as the work has put us at a really exciting stage.
“The building’s been given a lick of paint and new rooms have been made available for more groups to use.
“It is really well used by the groups, we’ve had long-term ones going for 30 years and some groups are here until late at night.”
Last night, a re-opening event was held to celebrate the new changes made to the centre.
The evening was also a chance for users to see the work in person.
The centre is set to re-open on Monday night, and Coun Hannah Kitching, Mayor of Penistone, is hoping that people think it’s been worth the wait.
She told the Chronicle: “It’s a really important amenity in terms of space for groups to hire, but the building wasn’t up to regulatory standards and its potential wasn’t being maximised.
“There’s now more spaces and break out rooms for groups to use, which make the hall more user friendly and increase the available space, as well as better fire regulations and a new boiler.
“It’s been difficult to see it closed, there aren’t many similar places in Penistone so lots of groups had to relocate.
“I’m hoping people will be excited to see the work that’s been done and I really hope that the wait has been worth it.”
