Page 15 - Jigsaw March 2019

WREN and East Northamptonshire Council Funds Community Centre Refurb
Thrapston Plaza is a historic building with a rich heritage, dating back to its original construction as a purpose-built cinema in the 1930s. The Mayor of Thrapston, Cllr Craig Wheeler, explains “Thrapston Plaza is used as a focal point for the community of Thrapston and beyond. It was starting to look a bit tired and out of date, but with thanks to funding from WREN’s
FCC Community Action Fund and East Northamptonshire Council we have now been able to upgrade the facilities to make the venue modern, fresh and eco-friendly.”
The refurbishment started just before Christmas 2018 and the Plaza has been closed for the month of January 2019. Phase 1 of the refurbishment works is now complete.
WREN’s funding has come from
landfill communities funds generated
by FCC Environment Ltd and provided
for the installation of a new ecofriendly
air conditioning system in the main hall, foyer and committee room, together with a complete overhaul of the committee room, a new wooden floor in the main hall, carpeting on the landing, stairs and in the foyer and new upstairs toilet facilities.
East Northamptonshire Council’s funding has provided for the installation of a new and impressive audio system including screen, projector, DVD player, sound system and microphones.
The Town Council has matched the funding received which has allowed
for further refurbishment to take place, including new double glazed window
units in the main hall, the installation of a hearing loop, new curtains for the stage and motorised black out blinds in the main
hall, redecoration of the entire building, including flooring where not already funded, the installation of impact resistant panelling in the main hall and the upgrade of the electricity supply to three-phase.
Thrapston Plaza re-opened its doors to its community on Friday 1st February and there was a launch event on Saturday 2nd February. Phase 2 of the refurbishment works will continue into the Spring with little disruption to its users. These works will include the refurbishment of the disabled toilet, the installation of double- glazed window units to the remaining windows and some other minor works. It is expected that the overall refurbishment will be completed by May 2019.
Thrapston Town Council has been delighted to receive £48,225 from WREN and £3,756 from East Northamptonshire Council and wishes to express their thanks for this funding.
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