A NEW youth and community centre has opened in a Cotswold village.
The building in Broadway has replaced the old youth centre in the middle of the village, as it was "falling apart" and needed to be replaced since it was no longer insurable according to the parish council.
Joan Reading, chairwoman of the centre's management committee and vice chair of Broadway parish council, said: "The old youth centre was falling apart and it was just for youths.
"This new building is larger and will also act as a youth and a community centre.
"The centre will hold classes such as ballet, will hold language learning classes and hold community events.
It took two years to complete the project, costing in the region of £400,000, including a £150,000 loan from the public works loan board.
Mrs Reading added: "I came to the council around three years ago and I am really proud of the end result of this project.
"There is still a few things to do, but so far its been very successful, the only downside is that there are no designated parking spaces, but there is parking available on Leamington road."
The centre held an open morning on April 13 to welcome Broadway residents to see the new space and to voice their opinions on what they think the centre should include.
Mrs Reading said: "The centre has taken a lot of time and was raised by the community for the community.
"Classes are subsidised for Broadway residents but we are hoping to hold free events in the future.
"The open morning was super, we had lots of visitors from all over the village, the local community police officer also stopped by to answer any questions.
"It was a lovely atmosphere and people came in to tell us what they wanted."
Funding has also been provided by Wychavon District council for a dedicated youth worker to run a new 11+ youth club at the site.
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