Council cash transforms community centre in Middleton

Pictured at the refurbished Jumbo Community Centre, l-r, Councillor Terry Smith; Councillor Dylan Williams; Councillor Neil Emmott, leader of the council; Councillor Sue Smith

Rochdale Borough Council has made a cash injection of £200,000 to refurbish the Jumbo Community Centre and library in Middleton.

The investment includes a new roof, replacing the old asbestos one, new lighting and energy-saving insulation.

The work has helped to secure the future of the building and has seen the replacement of the old leaking roof and damaged ceiling.

Located at Grimshaw Lane in Middleton Junction, the community centre and library is a popular venue with local residents and regularly used by community groups for events, meetings, and social occasions.

Councillor Neil Emmott, leader of the council, said: “Jumbo is a vital community building so this is timely investment for East Middleton, which ensures the facilities at this popular venue are of the highest possible standard. I am proud that we have kept all our library branches open, helping to secure their future, as part of our commitment to provide high-quality, value for money services."

He added: "I know from speaking with residents how important the Jumbo Community Centre and library is for the area, so this much needed work will ensure this facility is at the heart of the community for many years to come.”

Councillor Dylan Williams, ward councillor for East Middleton and chair of the centre, said: “I am so pleased that this important work has been completed. The investment, which I helped to secure, has transformed the centre and will save money in the long run, as we were constantly having to repair the leaking roof and ceiling. This will now secure the future of the community centre and library for decades to come, and that’s a success story for East Middleton that I am incredibly proud about.”