CHURCH Hall opens its doors to the public as it looks to become a community hub hotspot through their new project PIPS.

FORTY people attended an open day at St John’s Church Hall on Whitbourne Avenue which was held to give residents a taste of what they can expect as it looks to become a community hub.

The centre is launching a scheme called Parks Initiated Projects Swindon, which will be dedicated to the Park North and Park South communities, and will allow the hall to be hired out to groups that will benefit the community.

Hall manager Sam Rawlings said: “This is something that is long overdue and that the community needs. There is nothing for people to do in this area.

“We want people to have that feeling of being a part of the community and being proud of the area they are from and I fully believe that this is the right tool to accomplish this.”

This initiative is a non-profit project that will be run by the community, for the community, giving the Parks area something that everyone can be included in.

The centre will teach visitors about health and wellbeing, debt management and mental health. There will also be events such as a karaoke night, quiz night and a film night. There will also be more activities available but that will depend on who hires out the venue.

There have also been discussions about potentially using the centre for a youth club to give the youngsters of Parks somewhere to go and not just hang around on the streets, but the planning for this is still in the early stages.

Steve Allsopp, parish councillor for Walcot and Park North, said: “This building is a significant one in the community, even when it was helping Swindon with its restore shop before. Now once again it is being used and it has real potential to achieve positive things.

“Unfortunately, we have very few facilities available in this community but with the PIPS project this will hopefully broaden the community’s horizons and give them access to a new hub hotspot.”

The hall manager is looking to speak with anyone who has any ideas or activities that they could bring to the venue. Contact Sam on 01793 574924.