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People
living on the estate have campaigned for 40 years to get it built.
The
centre on the former gasworks site cost £1.3million to build
and has been funded by the council, the Government and money from
Europe.
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| Braiding
hair |
It
was officially opened by the mayor of Luton, Michael Dolling, followed
by a special multiethnic service to recognise the many different
faiths that are followed by people in Dallow.
In
the afternoon, an open day and festival gave the public their first
chance to see what the centre's all about.
The
main hall was packed with the various groups and organisations from
across the town that will help support the centre. (Safer Luton
Partnership, Barnfield College, Luton Disability Resource Centre,
North Chilterns Trust, Dallow Business Partnership)
As
well as a community cafe it includes health and childcare facilities,
a music recording suite, a meeting hall and an outdoor sports pitch.
A community garden and allotments will also be grown by people who
use the centre.
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| Another
stallholder |
In
the evening, a special concert was performed by local and professional
artists, including dance, music and poetry.
The
opening was covered in a special outside broadcast by BBC Three
Counties Radio Presenter Roberto Perrone, who spoke to many of the
people who'll keep the centre running.
It's
hoped that the centre will be used as a focus for people to finally
bring the community together, to educate people and help them back
into employment, and the long term goal of making Dallow a desirable
place to live.
See
our photos of the opening event
See
our photos of the new centre
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