Unveiled: Aberdeen’s new multi-million pound community hub
13 January 2017
Aberdeen’s new community hub was today unveiled after less than a year construction.
The keys to the multi-million pound extension and refurbishment of the former Lord Provost Henry E Rae Community Centre were passed to community groups in the Middlefield area.
The Hub will provide exceptional facilities offering greater family support, youth programmes, children’s activities and improved health and wellbeing services.
Unveiled was a multi-use games area, a purpose-built community health care hub, a new state-of-the-art nursery as well as an area for youth work and a community hall.
Aberdeen City Council Leader Councillor Jenny Laing said: “This new, purpose built facility, the largest of its kind in the city, will be a centre for excellence in providing crucial frontline community services, led by the community for the community.
“From providing frontline care to creating awareness and support for those with mental health issues as well as driving forward adult learning and employment opportunities – the new centre is set to add a real value to the health and well-being of our citizens.
“This goes right to the heart of our Local Outcome Improvement Plan which is committed to empowering communities and families and providing equal opportunities for all.”
Partner organisations which will be housed at the hub are the Middlefield Community Project, Lord Provost Henry E Rae Community Centre Management Committee and NHS Healthy Hoose, all of who provide a wide range of community activities for children and young people, adults, elderly and those with disabilities.
The new centre is part of a major programme of investment in the Middlefield area which includes the development of 179 new council houses at the Manor Walk and Smithfield sites which are of a high quality, sustainable and energy efficient design.
Other projects in the area include a series of play park upgrades, the completion of the Aberdeen Treasure Hub - the main location for the City's Collections of historical objects and artworks while not on public display - and a new watercourse to help dispel localised flooding and encourage future biodiversity as well as five new ponds.
The £2.66million development, which is being part funded by Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, was constructed by CHAP Construction and was completed in December 2016.