Centre set to extend its community reach

A County Durham community hub has expanded its facilities to support growing local needs.

St Paul’s Centre in Spennymoor has opened a new extension following funding from Durham County Council, the Local Networks Town and Village Funding, along with contributions from local councillors. 

The development creates extra space for meetings, activities, GP referral and foodbank storage, allowing the centre to broaden its offer and increase capacity for its popular exercise classes.

Councillor Karen Allison, cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street, said: “It’s great to see this asset to the community expanding its offer and bringing further support to the people of Spennymoor following our funding boost.

“We’re looking forward to seeing how the many community groups that use the venue will be able to make additional use of the new space that the extension offers.”

The centre, which has an annual footfall of almost 34,000, already supports residents through wellbeing groups, creative sessions, dementia support, money advice and children’s holiday activities, as well as hosting two businesses: The Café @ St Paul’s Centre and Damascus Road Technical Services.

Jason Turnough, Durham County Council’s local networks coordinator, added: “This is a fantastic boost to the St Paul’s Centre which provides a variety of innovative projects to support the local community. 

“The community centre is a key resource for residents in Spennymoor and the surrounding area, and the extension will allow a variety of new groups and users to access the facility.”

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