Welcome grant for centre (From Gazette Series)

Welcome grant for centre

KINGSHILL House is set to receive a £145,000 capital grant from Stroud District Council.

The money will help the building meet the standards of the Disability Discrimination Act and allow work to be finished on a lift, ramps, disabled toilets and the bar area.

The centre has gradually been refurbished since 1995 when it was transformed from redundant council offices into an arts centre.

Jill Frank, arts co-ordinator, said: "Kingshill House is delighted to be awarded a grant from Stroud District Council to complete further renovations and works on the house that will be of benefit to the local community.

"By completing these works Kingshill House will be fully accessible to all members of the community."

She added: "This capital investment from Stroud District Council compliments the revenue funding which the council is making available through a service level agreement with Kingshill House. It is hoped that through the partnership with Kingshill House and Stroud District Council, the house will continue to develop its programme of events and activities for the local community and surrounding areas."

District councillor for Dursley, Cllr Hilary Fowles (Lab) said: "I am delighted by this news. I know just how helpful it will be to have enough money to do the work and get the remaining rooms finished and into use.

"Setting up a purpose-built bar will release another room for meetings as well. With the lift that is planned to be installed shortly, it's going to make a very real difference.

She added: "Everyone involved with Kingshill House has worked so hard to get to this point and I'm very pleased for them and for the community, which will benefit too.

If anyone is interested in getting involved, has any ideas for events and activities at the house or would like to contribute in any way, contact Kingshill House on 01453 549133 or email: admin@kingshillhouse.org.uk.