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The project arose out of the closure, in 1995, of the "Tin Hat" social club. That club provided a key focal point for people living within Selston and, once gone, the heart of the community had been taken away. This prompted the Youth Worker, together with local Councillors and residents, to look at the options of developing a new initiative to bring together a range of activities and services to benefit all local people and to be based at the site of the social club. However, the club's site was subsequently sold, but plans for a more wide-ranging facility began to take root.
It soon became apparent that there were a number of organisations and agencies that operated across the local area, but often acting in isolation and unaware of what each other was doing. A number of groups were geographically dispersed and operated out of unsatisfactory or inappropriate premises.
Furthermore, it became evident that working more closely together and being drawn into a central point of service delivery could collectively make a much greater impact.
These findings and discussions held with people throughout the local community led to the establishment of a steering group to develop a project to explore the possibility of developing a multi-purpose facility to meet community needs and continuing discussions with Nottinghamshire County Council and Ashfield District Council provided additional encouragement.
A business plan was prepared and a successful bid was put to the Coalfield Community Landmarks Scheme, a Millennium Commission funded scheme to establish approximately twelve community resource centres across Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire. The funding package was completed with contributions from Nottinghamshire County Council and the European Regional Development Fund.
Construction of the building began in September 2001 and was completed in February 2002.
Click on the slides for a larger version of the picture.
The centre is built on three floors with views across the open countryside and comprises: a reception area and office; three rooms that community groups and other organisations can hire, along with various equipment; a Nottinghamshire Police Community Contact Point; a crèche; a Community Cafe with internet access (the centre operates as a UK Online centre); an IT suite equipped with extensive IT facilities, which is run by West Nottinghamshire College as a Learn Direct Centre.
The multi-purpose facility is designed to enable local people to acquire new skills to help them take advantage of employment opportunities and compete more effectively in the job market.
The project is managed by The Tin Hat Centre, a company limited by guarantee (Company Number 3900665) and a registered charity (Reg. Number 1089619).
Initial Concept of the Centre: 1995 / 1996
Probability Study Conducted:
Site Located:
Building Designed:
Funding Secured: Millennium Commission, Nottinghamshire County Council, European Regional Development Fund
Groundbreaking Ceremony:
Building Period: September 2001 - February 2002
Furniture Delivered: May - June 2002
Centre Opening: June 2002
First Courses: June 2002
IT Suite Opening: July 2002
First Radio Salistune Broadcast: November 2002 |
