Ninefields Community Centre Receives a Facelift

Published on 18 June 2010

The new-look Ninefields Community Centre, on Ninefields Estate, Waltham Abbey, incorporating a new art sculpture and entrance refurbishment, was officially unveiled on Wednesday 16 June 2010 by Epping Forest District Council’s Chairman, Councillor Anne Grigg.

Just over a year ago, Epping Forest District Council’s Community Services Department set up an activity club following a consultation exercise that identified there was a clear need for youth provision on the estate. As a result, the ‘We Don’t Do Bored” Club was established for young people. One of their first projects was to work with local artist Phillip Melling, who captured their ideas within the 2D art sculpture design.

Leisure and Wellbeing Portfolio Holder, Councillor Brian Rolfe said: "The project is a result of partnership working between Epping Forest District Council, Waltham Abbey Town Council, Essex Criminal Justice Board and Abbey Youth FC and without the support and enthusiasm from the local community this project would never have been possible."

"It is great to see the improved appearance of the Ninefields Community Centre and to be able to witness the wide range of activities that take place there for both young and old," commented Valerie Goodchild, Communications Manager for Essex Criminal Justice Board.

"We were very pleased to be able to support this refurbishment project with funds from the Community Cashback scheme, which uses the cash and assets seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act to benefit local communities. It was one of four projects in Essex to benefit from £130,000 of cash from crime." she added.

The sculpture and entrance refurbishment projects were first commissioned in December 2009, after the Criminal Justice Board’s Community Cashback scheme awarded the project £16,500 to improve the look of the community centre. Phase 1 of the project saw a new entrance, shutter and sign installed and phase 2 saw the installation of the 2D art sculpture that has proved a hit with the local community.

« back