Bob Russell MP opens Bluebell Centre – an excellent example of partnership working

The Bluebell Centre, a community facility developed and funded by Springboard Housing Association, part of Genesis Housing Group, was opened in Colchester on Friday by Bob Russell MP.

The much-needed family health resource centre provides a GPs' surgery and subsidised facilities, including premises for the Humpty Dumpty pre-school playgroup.

After a local PFI/Local Improvement Finance Trust arrangement for financing the centre fell through, Springboard Housing Association stepped in to fund the capital costs of the project, which is located close to an existing Springboard estate.

Working with partners, including Colchester Borough Council, North East Essex PCT, St John’s and Highwoods Community Association and the local Methodist Church, The Ark, agreement was reached on a long-term operating plan and the centre opened for use in February 2008.

Over 100 guests from the local community, including stakeholders involved in the project, witnessed Humpty Dumpty pupil, Jack List, cut the ribbon (with a little help from Bob Russell MP), to officially open the building before tours of the development began. 

Other guests included the Mayor and Mayoress of Colchester, the Chief Executive and  Chairman of North East Essex PCT - Dr Paul Zollinger-Read and Professor Sheila Salmon respectively, Barry Holden, Chairman of St John's and Highwoods Community Centre and senior staff from Rose Builders, architects Tooley and Foster and HBW surveyors.

Barry Holden, Chairman of the St John’s and Highwoods Community Association, said: “I welcome the opening of the new Bluebell family resource centre and my special thanks go to Springboard, without whose help the provision of the centre may never have take place.

"They have opened doors which have enabled the PCT to go ahead with the project which will provide a wonderful resource for the community of Highwoods”.

Dr Paul Zollinger-Read, Chief Executive of North East Essex PCT (and a GP), said: “This project has resulted in greatly improved facilities for patients and health staff, and is a tangible example of the benefits that successful partnership working can bring to the community that we serve.”

Bob Russell MP said: “The new centre is a result of an excellent partnership between the local community in Colchester, North East Essex PCT and Genesis Housing Group, and will be an asset for the local community for the long-term. I am delighted to have been involved with the project over the last few years.”

Mark Gayfer said: “Springboard and Genesis are very happy to have been able to assist the local community in Colchester with this project. With 9,000 homes in the pipeline, Genesis has a large programme for developing new homes and is increasingly involved in the provision of community facilities too.

"The Bluebell Centre is an excellent example of this. I would like to thank all the partners involved in the project for their contribution to this successful outcome.”