PLANS FOR NEW COMMUNITY HUB AT KELLINGLEY SOCIAL CLUB - BUSINESSES ASKED FOR THEIR VIEWS

Entrepreneurs and small start-up businesses are invited to Have Their Say on proposals to offer business support and advice services at the new Knottingley Community Hub to be based at the Kellingley Social Club.

Among the proposed activities for the new multi-use facility will be incubation space for start-ups, drop-in sessions for advice or rent-a-desk space. The Council is keen to hear the views of this sector and learn what support is required to help them grow their businesses.

The new multi-use facility will also be home to a range of community activity including employment and skills advice service and Adult and Community Education Service.

The proposals for the hub evolved from the results of a consultation with key stakeholders and which are now open for public comment.

The building is currently closed for renovation while refurbishment is undertaken in phases, allowing sections of the premises to be re-opened immediately after completion.

Cllr Darren Byford, Cabinet member for Regeneration, Economic Growth and Property, said: “Knottingley is a key town in Wakefield district and this renovation is one of the projects that residents said they wanted, so we’re investing millions of pounds into this building which is at the beating heart of the community.

“But we are not stopping there. If the government approves our Local Plan, it will pave the way for a big residential and business expansion in Knottingley which will help grow the local economy and provide increase employment opportunities.”

Chris Kitchen, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Kellingley Social Club said: “I feel very excited now the refurbishment is underway to bring this building into the 21st century. The new Kellingley Social Club will build on the successes of the past and offer more services that the community needs.

“I know that the project is going to take a while to complete, but we are adamant that we will try and maintain some of the services within the local community as and when we can, so we have continuity. Please bear with us while this work goes on. The wait will be worth it!”

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority has secured £1million for the project from the Government’s Getting Building Fund. The Council has contributed a further £3million.

The Knottingley Community Hub is one of the first built-environment projects under the Knottingley Action Plan and Knottingley Masterplan which are designed to grow the local economy, improve housing, recreation and sports for the town and provide a better quality of life for its residents.

Monthly updates are available on the project’s webpage www.wakefield.gov.uk/KnottingleyHub and anyone wanting monthly email updates can subscribe there to our free newsletter.

While renovations are underway some social club and food bank activities will continue in alternate accommodation on the grounds. Details are available via Kellingley Club Facebook page.