A social value project that has transformed Hazel and Elder Court community meeting room in Middlesbrough is now complete. The work, which totalled £15,000, was funded and delivered by Esh Construction as part of its commitment to give back to the local community throughout the re-development of Rivers House.
The community space has received a complete kitchen upgrade, including a new breakfast bar and electrical appliances. The entire building was redecorated, with new blinds, furniture and flooring installed, including anti-slip vinyl in the kitchen and toilet area, and carpet tiles in the main hall and offices. The bathroom facilities were also renewed and accessible toilets installed.
Shawn Clark, contracts manager at Esh Construction, said: “This is a worthy project that we are proud to have played our part in and will make a real difference to those who rely on the community meeting room for socialising and activities. It is usually the case in projects like these that we donate funding and don’t always get to see the finished product, whereas on this occasion we were responsible for seeing the works through from start to completion. We hope the local community enjoy the facility for years to come.”
The meeting room offers entertainment such as bingo, with plans to introduce arts and crafts classes, all arranged and delivered by residents living in Hazel and Elder Court.
Esh Construction worked on behalf of Thirteen Group to convert Rivers House, which is located near to the community centre. Originally an office space, Rivers House was extended and re-modelled to create 18 one and two-bedroom supported housing apartments.
The opportunity to breathe new life into the community centre was presented by Thirteen as part of their liaison with local residents.
Thirteen’s head of community resilience, Angela Corner, added: “We’re thrilled that Esh Construction’s commitment to supporting the local community has led to this much-needed donation to refurbish the community meeting room at Hazel and Elder Court in Middlesbrough. It will ensure that residents and community-based groups will benefit and leave a lasting legacy on the area.
“It’s also a fantastic example of how Thirteen’s ongoing regeneration and community resilience work in Middlesbrough led to us being able to link Esh Construction with a local asset that plays such an important role to those who use the room for socialising and activities.”
This is a worthy project that we are proud to have played our part in and will make a real difference to those who rely on the community meeting room for socialising and activities. It is usually the case in projects like these that we donate funding and don’t always get to see the finished product, whereas on this occasion we were responsible for seeing the works through from start to completion. We hope the local community enjoy the facility for years to come.”
