Delight as community centre in Carlton Colville reopens

There was joy as the ribbon was cut to reopen Bloodmoor Hill Community Centre in Dale End, Carlton Colville, Lowestoft following a successful bid by a new leaseholder to take on the building.

Bloodmoor Hill Community Centre. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Councillor Chris Thomas, supported by Rev Sharon Lord and Rev Becki Bensusan, reopened the facility as an open afternoon and community fun day was held to celebrate Pakefield Church as the new leaseholder.

Carlton Colville town councillor Chris Thomas said: "The building was established by Waveney District Council but sadly enthusiasm waned, and it closed.

"So East Suffolk Council sought tenders for the building to be re-leased for other people to take it over.

“I was pleased to be able to cut the ribbon alongside Pakefield Church clergy as I have been so keen to get the building up and running again."

Bloodmoor Hill Community Centre reopens. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Cllr Thomas added: "We'd love to see a Men’s Shed here for the people of Carlton Colville area, it would also be great if the building could have a library and maybe get a community café going."

Curate Rev Becki Bensusan from Pakefield Church - the project lead for the community centre - said: "I wrote the business case for the church to take on the lease. Seeing the building finally open is both exciting and scary at the same time.

"It has been a long road to get here, but seeing the ribbon finally cut and to see people turn up for the official opening has been really amazing.

Bloodmoor Hill Community Centre reopens. Rev Becki Bensusan and East Suffolk Council Community Officer Gemma Fraser with a Smoothie Bike. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"The Pakefield Ecclesiastical Parish includes the Bloodmoor estate, and we are working in partnership with Gisleham Church and Carlton Colville Church."

The building is available for birthday parties, family gatherings and has a little kitchen, it also has a main hall and three rooms at the back - one of which will house a School Uniform Bank which is set to open on Thursdays in the school holidays.

'Ideas in the pipeline'

Rev Sharon Lord added: "We are really pleased that it is open again because this community Centre at Bloodmoor Hill has been closed since before Covid.

"We already have yoga classes and baby massage ready to use the building, and we are hoping to open a pantry here as well similar to the one already running in Kirkley, later this year.

"We will be opening as a warm room in the winter as well.

"We have loads of ideas in the pipeline and are also thinking about running after-school activities for children.

"We really want to hear from anyone who wants to be involved in any way."

Visit its website bloodmoorhillcommunitycentre.uk or email hello@bhcc.uk for further details.