Great Park Community Centre

Great Park Community Centre

Great Park Community Centre is more than just a newly built structure (and a design award winner at that). It is a hub of activity within the Great Park community. It serves as a gathering place for all sorts of events and activities, and its presence is vital in ensuring that Great Park doesn’t become a generic new build area. As someone who works in the building and has seen the positive impact it has on our area, I believe it’s important to highlight why it’s such a crucial asset to our community.

GPCC first opened with no hirers, three halls that open as one, a meeting room, two grass pitches, two MUGA/s (Multi-Use Games Areas) and a small kitchen area. Since then there has been significant changes as it approaches its ninth full year of operation. The indoor space now hosts a playgroup, after-school clubs, exercise classes, various children’s classes, and events. The grass pitches are occupied by a fully affiliated football club from ages 5 to adults. One MUGA has been updated to a 3G pitch, and the other remains for tennis and free play sessions for residents.

The kitchen now operates as a coffee and milkshake bar, and the building is very close to full capacity on room hire slots. I love that a high percentage of the buildings hirers are small businesses that are establishing and growing here with support from the residents.

It would take forever to list everything that has been, gone and continues to run at the centre. However, one thing that I have noticed is that the best classes here continue to operate due to consistency, resilience, and demand. If the classes were not of value, then they would not still be running nine years on! You can, however, find up-to-date listings on the “What’s On” page of the centre’s website.

Connections and building relationships happen at the centre. New mums meet for a coffee at the Shake Shack or chat when dropping off their children at Plantpots Playgroup. Friends meet to challenge themselves physically and mentally during exercise classes in which they share an interest. Business associates meet here, and groups come together to walk the area.

Councillors, politicians, business associates, and directors have all been inside the walls to build businesses and connections. Charitable events, fundraisers, team-building exercises and larger events take place, bringing together the whole community. News and TV outlets have reported on donated items, Santa drops in to see kids over Christmas, and even Shola Ameobi is one of many Newcastle United players to grace the famous 3G pitch at GPCC!

As the centre approaches its 9th year (6th under Evolution Management) there is so much more we can achieve. Development, growth, community enhancement and engagement are all high on the to do list. We will also focus on reducing our carbon footprint and bringing value to the area as well as those who use our building. As someone who feels extremely passionate about the area and is heavily involved our community centre I cant wait to see what happens next!

For more info about Great Park Community Centre and its activities, call 0191 236 8196, visit the website or email the team at info@greatparkcommunitycentre.com.