A multimillion-pound community development in Aberdeen marked a major milestone yesterday.
Residents in Middlefield gathered at the Lord Provost Henry E Community Centre in Manor Avenue to celebrate as contractors finished work on the roof of the £2.66million building.
Once it is officially opened, the centre will offer a range of facilities, including a large nursery, a cafe, landscaped green spaces and improved health and wellbeing services.
It will also feature a youth flat, which will provide activities and a range of learning opportunities to help young people build their employment skills, work on their CVs and find work.
Northfield and Mastrick councillor Gordon Graham, who is the vice-convener of Aberdeen City Council’s communities, housing and infrastructure committee, joined families and youngsters at yesterday’s ceremony.
Mr Graham said: “This new building will provide fit-for-purpose facilities to those who work for the benefit of the entire Middlefield community.
“Not only will this new complex include a purpose-built, multi-use games area for young people of all interests, it will also house important health care services which provide a lifeline to families dealing with difficult circumstances.
“From providing frontline care to creating awareness and support for those with mental health issues as well as driving forward adult learning and employment opportunities, the new centre is set to add real value to the health and wellbeing of our citizens.”
The community centre is being built as part of a major programme of investment in the Middlefield area, which includes the development of 179 new council houses in the Manor Walk and Smithfield areas.
Susan Hislop, the vice-chairwoman of the Middlefield Community Project, said: “It’s really great to see it finally coming together.
“We can’t wait until it’s finished and everyone can use it.
“The centre will really make a huge difference for people in the area with all of its new facilities, and I hope it will work to bring the community together.”
The centre, which is being partly financed by the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, is being built by construction firm CHAP and is due to be completed by December.