Free refurbishment makes 'a world of difference' to South Leeds youngsters » Communities » 24dash.com

Young people at a Leeds youth centre have been well and truly floored after receiving a free makeover worth an incredible £25,000!

The Hunslet Club in South Leeds hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the completion of works that has seen main hall floor restored to its former glory and the male changing rooms completely refurbished after they won the main prize as part of a campaign to reward a good cause in Leeds.

The major refurbishment, the club’s first in over thirty seven years, was donated free of charge by Gildersome based Connaught Partnerships after Radio Aire listeners voted in their thousands to back the Hunslet Club to receive the makeover. A shortlist of three local good causes was selected from nominations by Connaught’s partners Aire Valley Homes Leeds, West North West Homes Leeds, Leeds Federated Housing and East North East Homes Leeds.

During the summer holidays the Connaught team commenced work to strip back the floor of the 260 sq metre sports hall to restore the Canadian wood whilst also completely refurbishing the male and referee changing rooms and making structural alterations for the installation of a new sound system. To celebrate the completion of the works last week Radio Aire presenter Rich Williams joined Dennis Robbins, Hunslet Club Chief Executive Officer and Helen Mallinson, Aire Valley Homes Leeds Housing Manager, to cut a ribbon officially declaring the main hall open for use.

Dennis Robbins, Hunslet Club Chief Executive Officer, said: “We have been incredibly lucky with our prize and we are very grateful to Connaught and indeed everyone who voted for us in the Radio Aire competition. To have had the backing and support of the community in Leeds means a great deal to us and has made a world of difference to the young people that we work with.”

Steve Dalby, Connaught partnership manager, said: “After visiting the club it is impossible not to be impressed by the tremendous work they do with such a cross section of the local community, from young children learning gymnastics to teenagers trying their hands at car mechanics or hairdressing and adults honing their boxing skills, and we hope the newly renovated building will help inspire them even further. “

Founded in 1940, the youth charity continues to run dancing football, boxing, gymnastics, drama and fitness activities for young people aged four to 18 with some even going on to become professional football and rugby players. In addition, the club now also runs a vocational education centre for over three hundred and eighty year 10 and 11 students to gain qualifications in practical work based skills.

Connaught is working in partnership with West North West Homes Leeds, Aire Valley Homes Leeds, East North East Homes Leeds and Leeds Federated Housing to deliver improvements to thousands of homes across the city.