Demolition begins at Highfield Community Centre but Easter event goes on
Demolition of the old community centre at the side of Highfield Tower, Hillrise Road, Collier Row, begins on Monday 3 April as the next stage in providing a new facility on the site.
Although demolition means the hall won’t be available to use the Highfield Residents’ Association Easter Fun Day will still take place on Wednesday 5 April on the other side of the building.
Deputy Leader of Havering Council and Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Damian White, said: “The annual Easter Fun Day for local children is very popular so we have worked with the Residents’ Association so this event can take place in a marquee.
“Sadly for health and safety reasons the Easter egg hunt can’t take place but there will still be face painting, cup cake decorating and making Easter masks as well as other craft activities taking place.”
Chair of Highview Residents’ Association, Mark Alder, said: “The Council has been very supportive by organising the marquee for us to use and we are looking forward to next year’s event taking place in our new Community Centre.”
The new Community Centre behind Highfield Tower will cost around £500,000 with the first phase completed by July 2017.
Work started on the site in March to prepare the ground ready for the installation of a pre-fabricated building which will include a large hall for community events and use by local organisations alongside a kitchen, toilets and an office. The building will be fully accessible for people with disabilities.
A play area for children under 10 years old will be created next to the new building. This is being partly funded through the Housing Revenue Account as well as a £10,000 grant from the Tesco Bags of Help fund which allocates the 5p paid when buying disposable carrier bags to local good causes.
More information: www.havering.gov.uk/HighviewCommunityCentre