Latest news with #communityhub
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Historic seaside town boasts of increase in tourism after £12million revamp – including seafront activity centre
A SMALL seaside town has reported a significant boost in tourism after investing £12 million into revamp work. The regeneration project, most of which was completed at the beginning of the year, saw upgrades to the town centre and seafront. Maryport, which has a population of around 10,865, traces back to medieval times with the Georgian era introducing the town's lighthouse while the Victorian period brought the local railway. By 1845 , the Cumbria port town had established itself as a bustling hub for trade, shipping 300,000 tons of coal along with other imports and exports including iron ore, timber, cattle, and cotton. A century on, the aftermath of the 1926 General Strike and the new deep-water dock in Workington saw the area become a ghost town. Despite a brief reprieve during World War II, the town never fully recovered, with the docks closing to cargo ships in the 1960s. In the decades since, the scenic area focused more on its tourism industry. A series of regeneration works have been carried out in Maryport, with some still in progress. Maryport Town Hall underwent a £200,000 renovation and now serves as a community hub as well as housing the local council. Automatic sensors on the building have recorded more than a third increase in footfall since the upgrade began. Overall, tourism in the town has increased by 35% since spring 2024. The town hall is located on Senhouse Street, the main route connecting the town centre with the Harbourside and Promenade, all of which have undergone various revamps. A Shopfront Scheme has transformed the look of many properties, attracting new businesses such as retailers, wellness providers, a photography studio, and a banking hub. Meanwhile on the Harbourside, the new Shiver Me Timbers splashpark and play area has been erected. Upgrades have also been made to the Maryport Activity Centre, with new attractions added, including a play area, climbing attractions, a gym, studio spaces, and a café. The new Shipping Brow Gallery and a new skatepark on the Promenade have also boosted footfall in the town. And Maryport's regeneration continues as the Christ Church to Maritime Museum conversion still underway. 'Downtrodden' English ghost town where locals feel 'left behind' being turned into 'vibrant' shopping hub in £9m revamp By Nicole Cherruault A "DOWNTRODDEN" English ghost town is being turned into a "vibrant" shopping hub in a £9million revamp. The town in northern Manchester set to totally transform as the council launches a multi-million pound"vision for change" after locals complained the town felt "left behind". More than 600 people were consulted over renovation plans in Eccles, Salford and work has now started on demolishing the town's shopping centre, which was suffering from falling visitors numbers. Following the demolition stage, a development partner will be appointed to bring new life to what residents described as a "downtrodden" town, reports Manchester Evening News. The objective, the council said, is to create a "vibrant" and a "fit for purpose" centre for people to enjoy. Attracting more independent retailers, and new bars and cafes are among the council's top priorities. And just three miles from Salford Quays and Manchester city centre, the redevelopment project looks set to transform the area into a buzzing place for young professionals and business owners. This comes as locals despaired over the ailing town, saying they felt it had been "left behind" and it was in desperate need of some "drastic" improvements. The council stressed that the demolition work will be a long process, with the initial phase due only to be completed by the end of the year. However, Councillor Mike McCusker reassured locals that despite the renovations, the town centre "remains open for business", stressing that the works only affect a few areas. He said: 'Whilst we work on the town centre of the future, today's town centre remains open for business,' said Coun Mike McCusker, lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development at Salford council. 'I want to stress that this demolition work only affects certain parts of the town centre. 'The shops and businesses on Church Street are still open for business and unaffected by this work.' Meanwhile, Councillor McCusker, who represents the Eccles ward, shared his enthusiasm for the project, in particular for its focus on the local community. In a statement, he spoke of his "excitement" for the times ahead in materialising their vision for a brighter, more dynamic Eccles. He said 'Through our purchase of the shopping centre, we were able to put the future of the town centre in the hands of the council and the community. 'It has enabled us to begin this important and long-overdue programme of work, to deliver the vision we have developed with the community. 'The demolition work will take some time, but there are exciting times ahead for Eccles as we work to bring this vision to life.' The work will see the historic Christ Church transformed into a new Maritime Museum, with an expected opening later this year. And a former cinema is also being converted into a cultural hub, with an opening date expected early next year. Leader of Cumberland Council, Councillor Mark Fryer spoke about the boost the work has given the town. "When Maryport Maritime Museum opens in Christ Church, the former Carlton Cinema becomes a cultural hub, and the new café opens on the Promenade there will be even more reasons to visit," he said. "I am very pleased to see that footfall is already on the up - even before the summer tourist season. 3 "This is great for the local economy which is the whole point of this work.' Other attractions in the town include the Lake Distict Coast Aquarium at Maryport Harbour, which reportedly boasts more than 2,000 specimens in over 75 display tanks. Family tickets are available from just £26. And while the town has a mixed shingle and sand beach that disappears during high tide, its bay is still recognised as a good spot for windsurfing and kite-surfing. Visitors can also enjoy the stunning views of the Solway estuary at all times of the year. 3
RNZ News
3 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
"We know who's who, and if it's addressed wrong, still gets to them"
Post Office volunteer Peter Sander, sorting mail at the small Colville post office. Photo: RNZ/Sally Round The mail always gets through in one of New Zealand's remotest regions, thanks to some dedicated volunteers who run the local post office. While rural mail services are shrinking, Colville, in the north-west of Coromandel Peninsula, has a thriving mail service based in the small community's original post office, with a band of volunteers taking turns behind the counter and sorting the mail. Even if it's just "Mike the Man" for an address, someone will know who it is, according to volunteer Peter Sander. "It's quite hard case at times. "We know who's who, and if it's addressed wrong, still gets to them." Follow Country Life on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , iHeart , or wherever you get your podcasts . Sander used to run a holiday camp in the district, not far from Colville, which consists of a volunteer-run general store and community hub serving a 1500-strong community all the way up to Port Jackson in the north. Volunteering has been an important part of his life, he told Country Life . "Sometimes we'll only get one or two customers in a day … buying stamps or whatever, but that's okay." New Zealand's postal system underwent sweeping changes in the late 1980s and many small post offices closed. But not Colville's, thanks to the locals. With a limited rural delivery service, they saw the need for a hub where people could pick up their parcels, mail could be sent, and visitors could buy stamps or a postcard. Sander, standing by the post boxes at the post office. Photo: RNZ/Sally Round "The local people thought, hang on, because they started it right back in 1896, started with telecommunications, and then later on they wanted three times a week mail delivery, because there was a lot of gold mining and farming done in the area." Sander said right from the early days, the community was involved in setting up the post office, even milling the timber from White Star Station, a local farm, pit sawing and carting the timber and raising money to pay for the building works too. "They've got a paddock there that's named the post office paddock." The Colville post office sells stamps and memorabilia, catering for locals and visitors alike. Photo: RNZ/Sally Round Visitors are interested in the history of the place, Sander said, and it's a centre for much more than just post. "They come in and read the information, sign the visitor's book, and they can't believe what we do here. We show them the old scales, and we used to have a thing here saying what to do if you get held up with a gun from the old days." Volunteers also run the incorporated society which is behind the service. It earns a small amount of income from 10 percent of stamp sales and donations. The post office volunteers sort the mail and serve customers. It's been volunteer run since 1986. Photo: RNZ/Sally Round "Everything's tracked and electronic, we do that, and we've got to scan it all and track it through. "We get about $1000 a year or something, which is enough to buy a can of paint. Occasionally, people will come and give a nice donation for us to hold their mail for them, because they've gone away for a month or so. So they might put 10 or 20 bucks in the donation box for us to do that. "That's how community works." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
BBC News
3 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Beau Sejour Leisure Centre could become 'community hub'
A leisure centre which operated at a loss of around £870,000 last year should be safeguarded as a holistic community service hub, a States of Guernsey review has found.A four-stage review is looking into the sustainability of the Beau Sejour Leisure Centre in Amherst, St Peter Port, which lost money largely due to electricity and staffing first two stages have concluded, with recommendations including repurposing underused spaces such as the sports hall, squash and outdoor tennis review said there was "strong interest" in co-locating a number of government, private and charity services to maximise efficiency and create a holistic community service hub. The recommendations are part of an independent review into the island's largest municipal leisure have been endorsed by the Committee for Education, Sport and Culture and an independent steering group."Beau Sejour is a cornerstone of Guernsey's community life, with the potential to evolve into an even more inclusive and impactful facility," the report concluded. "By addressing current challenges and capitalising on identified opportunities, it can continue serving as a vibrant hub for health, wellness, and cultural engagement for generations to come."Beau Sejour was found to be providing essential leisure, cultural and social services and was a multifunctional hub for health, culture and community engagement. 'Key part of community' In a joint statement, the Committee for Education, Sport and Culture said: "Beau Sejour accommodates activities and provides facilities that are a key part of our community, and the committee greatly values the social and economic contributions made."The centre's purpose and value "have now been clearly defined through this consultation", they added. The report said the centre's long-term sustainability required "a proactive approach to balance economic viability with community benefit", with the various uses of the centre and its future management and finance options needed to be centre was found to generate £1.39m a year in social value for Guernsey, ranking in the top 25% of similar facilities for social value per was found to provide significant public health benefits through physical activity and sport, playing a strong role in rehabilitation and preventative fitness and swimming facilities were found to be well used, with operating costs "generally well-controlled, and secondary income sources are above average".Recommendations also included an increase in spending on marketing to attract new customers, while flagging up that ageing assets required increasing maintenance, which could become than industry average staffing costs as a percentage of income should be monitored and reviewed in light of industry and the local norms, the report also recommended reviewing energy use to shift from oil to greener final two stages of the review are due to conclude by the end of this year.
BBC News
5 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Cancer Research UK in Plymouth to close after 35 years
A charity shop in Plymouth described by residents as a community hub is to close in Cancer Research UK shop in Stoke has been trading for more than 35 years but the charity decided in March to close it because it was "no longer a financially viable option".Councillors in Stoke said they had been contacted by local people who were "really upset" about the closure. A spokesperson for the charity gave their "heartfelt thanks" to the shop's staff and volunteers for having been "powerful ambassadors" for the charity. Councillor Jemima Laing said the shop had been "part of the fabric of life" in the said: "People have described it [the shop] to me as a 'hub' which is so much more than a shop and offers a listening ear to people, often grieving, as they drop off their donations." 'Not taken lightly' The shop's Facebook page had a notice from the manager which said the shop would close on 21 charity spokesperson said: "This decision was not taken lightly, as we understand the significant impact a shop closure can have on the community."We have a responsibility to ensure that we are using charity funds effectively and efficiently to maximise our contribution to life-saving research."Whilst we explore all avenues before making the decision to close a shop, unfortunately, the Stoke (Plymouth) shop was no longer a financially viable option."
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Residents slam 'awful' decision to build thousands of homes near small Sussex town
Residents of a small West Sussex village have slammed the decision to build thousands of homes in the area. On May 8, plans were approved to build up to 2,200 new homes on land west of Bersted, subject to conditions. The plans also include a three-form entry primary school, spine road, healthcare facilities, a care home, sports pitch, a community hub including a library, a wellness trail and police and fire and rescue provisions. Since the decision many residents have shared their anger towards the approval. The planned development in Bersted (Image: Arun District Council) Sian Whiter, 31, lives near Chalcraft Lane – the area where the development is due to be built. She raised concerns about the impact the housing will have on local people. 'There are not enough jobs in Bognor anyway for the people that already live here. Crime's going up like no tomorrow and I think by adding more houses and more people it's just going to be awful', she said. 'I believe over the next ten, 15 years we will just be from Bognor to Chichester, joined by the number of houses.' READ MORE: 2,200 homes near West Sussex village have been approved She also highlighted fears that the village's road infrastructure will be unable to cope. Sian said: 'What used to take 10-15 minutes to get to Chichester in the morning already takes about an hour. When you add a lot more traffic to that it's going to be even worse. 'There's just not room for more houses and people until they start making the facilities to go alongside them. We need better road networks.' 📍Chalcraft Lane, Bersted Plans to build up to 2,200 homes in Bersted, West Sussex, have been approved. Read the full story here: — Francesca Williams (@franjourno_) May 22, 2025 Another resident, Julia Watling, 50, also shared similar views. She said: 'You come down here first thing in the morning when the kids are at school, it is nose to tail down Chalcraft Lane. It is absolutely dreadful. 'It's just getting too crammed. I know we've got to cater for other people, but this is ridiculous. All these people are doing is sitting at desks and thinking, where can we build next time.' However, another resident shared that they were unaware of the works. They said: 'I wasn't aware of this. They're building houses everywhere aren't they!' Social media reaction further highlighted public anger towards the decision, one user describing the decision as "terrible". Denise Woods also felt that it was the wrong decision. She said: 'This is so bad for Sussex, we have already had so much development tacked onto our beautiful villages and towns that's it has become overcrowded and unsightly.' 'Chalcroft Lane will become a super highway if they're not careful.' Councillor Martin Lury, Leader of the council and Liberal Democrat group, explained how the development is part of the local plan – allocated by a previous Conservative administration. In this, the area had been identified as a strategic development and therefore, despite local protest, made it difficult for the planning committee to refuse. Cllr Martin Lury (Image: Arun District Council) He told The Argus that the committee had initially deferred the plans due to the highway impact, however West Sussex Highways said this would be 'small and temporary', leaving the committee with no other option. He said: 'No one on the planning committee seemed to want to vote for it, it's wrong to put so much housing in the west of the area. 'We've tried to argue the case, but we've run out of options. In local plans it's very difficult to turn it down, you get hammered by the government. 'I've never voted for Chalcraft Lane, it's not an appropriate place to build houses. I've been fighting this for years, but we are completely tied because it's in the local plan. 'We realistically couldn't vote against it because that would incur costs on an appeal case we couldn't win.' He echoed concerns raised by residents regarding the area's infrastructure and its ability to cope with the influx in people. READ MORE: Fashion retailer opens its first store in Sussex He highlighted issues with water, flooding, health services such as dentists, as well as the road infrastructure. He added: 'There is local resentment that a proper public consultation in person has not taken place. It was done online which clearly may have reduced participation with an elderly population 'I totally understand people complaining, we tried everything we could to stop it or to obtain the proper road infrastructure, but alas to no avail. If I thought we would win of course it would go to appeal. 'Chalcraft Lane will become a super highway if they're not careful.' The site is earmarked for up to 2,500 homes as strategic site SD3 in the Arun Local Plan and will likely be built in eight phases, finishing construction in 2039.
