Spectacular opening for new look Lochgelly Centre
Published 22 Feb 2012 08:00
1 Comment
THE official opening of the new look Lochgelly Centre had a fiery finale.
The official ceremony was performed by Councillor Brian Goodall, chair of Fife Council's Housing and Communities committee last Tuesday afternoon and was a spectacular affair.
Celebratory events also took place including a ribbon cutting ceremony and a rooftop performance which the whole community were invited to attend and enjoy.
In addition, a week-long programme of free events and tours was also held in the Centre to showcase the wide range of activities and services on offer.
The new Centre is bigger and better than ever before and will give Fifers the chance to access a wide range of council services in addition to the theatre and arts classes it's already well known for.
The council invested £2.5 million in the transformation of the Lochgelly Centre to improve access to council services and culture for the local community.
The new Centre includes a single storey glass-fronted extension which houses the modern Jennie Lee Library, a reception area and local council office.
The heating and ventilation systems for the theatre, sports hall and dance studio have also been replaced with an energy efficient plant.
The range of facilities and services on offer inside includes: a 415 seat theatre; the Jennie Lee Library; the studio; sports hall; IT Centre; public access computers with free internet; Fife Council Local Office Services; art rooms; meeting and practice rooms; and visual arts exhibition space; plus a café bar.
The day's activities were M/C'd by the local authority's library services manager Dorothy Browse.
She introduced Councillor Brian Goodall and Lochgelly poet, Willie Hershaw, who wrote some verse to mark the occasion.
Entertainment was provided by the Lochgelly High School's pipe band and the school's wind band and senior girls choir.
Mr Goodall, the chair of the Housing and Communities committee said, "Lochgelly Centre has taken centre stage again today and I am delighted to be able to perform the official re-opening in front of the local community.
"This marks the start of a new beginning for the Centre - not only has the capital investment by the council produced a stunning new facility, there's now access to more services and activities than ever before.
"I'm sure that everyone will love the new Centre and that it will take back it's rightful place at the heart of the community once again."
Chairman of the Cowdenbeath Area Committee, Councillor Willie Clarke said, "I was here in 1976 when the Centre was opened and I can remember of the dreams that there were then.
"The vast majority of these arrived and the facility has become something that people have really loved.
"It had become a little old looking and this magnificent refurbishment project has given it new life and it will, I am sure, become the hub of the community again."
Fife Labour leader and Lochs councillor Alex Rowley commented, "The miners of the past were self taught and greatly used the original Lochgelly Library in the Institute.
"The new library in the Centre is a truly tremendous facility as is the whole newly constructed entrance area."
Depute Provost and Lochgelly councillor Ian Chisholm said, "I can tell by the smiles on the faces of the local people what they think of this new Lochgelly Centre.
"All that is needed to complete the job is a little upgrading work on the theatre and hopefully this is something that we can get funding for in the very near future. It is a very special facility."
The facility will be managed for the council by ON at Fife.
Frank Chinn, Chief Executive of ON at Fife, said, "Everyone at ON at Fife is really excited about the re-opened Lochgelly Centre, which we think the local community will agree looks fantastic.
"We have a great selection of shows, courses and classes lined up for the coming months.
"We're looking forward to local people experiencing the new Centre, and taking the chance to sample the broad range of activities on offer."
For full details about library services and the local office please visit www.fifedirect.org.uk
A programme of events and activities at Lochgelly Centre can be found at www.onfife.com/lochgelly
The activities were completed by a spectacular display outside from aerial dance group Ironoxide who emerged from the roof of the
building and then a fireworks display.
As part of Fife Council's Customer Management Programme, the upgrade of the Centre was one of a series of refurbishment projects will provide customers with a modern welcoming environment. The moves will also mean the council can use the buildings it owns more efficiently and continue the process of getting rid of surplus buildings.
The new library is named after Jennie Lee who was born in Lochgelly in 1904 and became the youngest member of the House of Commons in 1929.
A passionate campaigner for a number of causes, she was never afraid to express her beliefs. In 1964, she was appointed Arts Minister and held an important role in the formulation of the Open University.
We look at the new look Centre through the pictures of our photographer Jim Payne.
Have your say. Post a comment on this article.
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RealMatters
Unregistered User
Feb 25, 20:28
Report commentand whilst this goes on, a very high ranking local officer is being reported to the PF for a motoring incident!!
Time will tell if they themselves are role models in society. How exactly did the mobile phone get lost, according to reports, officers had to conduct a finger tip search for the mobile at the scene and it was found later that day. Was some crucial evidence wiped from it during its absence which may have implicated the subject in some illegal activity whilst driving? Only a trully independant enquiry would suffice but sadly once more, they have opportunity to close ranks.
Please moderators do not remove as these are issues which are very much in the public interest!!
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