Improvements to Sudbrooke Drive Community Centre
Significant improvement works are being carried out at Sudbrooke Drive Community Centre that will benefit residents in the Ermine Estate area
City of Lincoln Council is supporting Alive Church and Bishop Grosseteste University to bring projects forward with money coming from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund
The work at the centre is the first phase of a scheme to strengthen its community spaces and those at Ermine Library to develop welcoming and accessible hubs for all.
The initial project focuses on modernising the centre and ensuring enhanced accessibility throughout. Improvements will include the installation of new double automatic doors at the main entrance, ensuring easier and more inclusive access for visitors, alongside improved heating and lighting.
To further improve accessibility, several doors throughout the centre will be widened to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility scooters, addressing previous issues in both the main meeting room and corridors.
The main meeting room will undergo full redecoration, including carpet replacement, creating a fresh and inviting space for the delivery of a new coffee shop run by Alive Church and to allow for community gatherings.
Additionally, external landscaping and security enhancements will be carried out, contributing to both the appearance and safety of the centre’s surroundings.
Upgrades to self-contained, DDA-compliant toilet facilities will provide further accessibility for those with limited mobility.
The centre offers a sports hall, meeting rooms, kitchens, toilets, changing rooms, two full-size football pitches, badminton, pickleball, table tennis, bowls and an on-site car park.
Cllr Bob Bushell at City of Lincoln Council said: “The refurbishment of Sudbrooke Drive Community Centre is an exciting step in our ongoing efforts to provide accessible, modern, and welcoming facilities for our residents. These improvements will ensure that the centre remains a valuable hub for community activities, offering something for everyone. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on the local community.”
Alongside the refurbishment of Sudbrooke Drive Community Centre, funding has also been allocated to BGU to further develop activities from their Hub at Ermine Library, including the creation of a new community garden space.
Sarah Moseley, Head of Social Purpose at Bishop Grosseteste University, said: “BGU’s purpose is to support individuals to realise their ambitions and create positive change in their communities and beyond.
“We are therefore extremely grateful that we have been awarded funding to enable us to increase the Ermine Library and Community Hubs opening hours, create jobs as well as additional volunteering opportunities.
“The Ermine library and Community Hub is a safe, trusted, welcoming and accessible space and has a central role in the community.
“In the 12 months preceding the funding, the total number of visitors was 7,534. We expect this to grow as we are now able to offer late night opening on Wednesday evenings and provision on Saturday mornings.”