Funds needed to complete build of centre

More than £370,000 has been raised towards a new children's community centre, but £150,000 is still needed to finish the project.
Hawthorpe Tree Children's Community Centre's new building EMN-160711-093517001Hawthorpe Tree Children's Community Centre's new building EMN-160711-093517001
Hawthorpe Tree Children's Community Centre's new building EMN-160711-093517001

Staff at Hawthorn Tree Children’s Community Centre, in Toot Road, Boston, have been planning and fundraising for the project for the last three years.

Building work started in June, and the centre is now up to roof height, but the interior and exterior still require work.

Lincolnshire County Council donated £200,000 towards the project, but more cash is needed to finish the build.

Joint manager Melanie White said: “Building work has now come to a standstill, pending further funding, which we are looking to receive from local companies, having already applied for capital funding.”

The building will not only cater for the needs of children in the community, but will act as a hub for other services.

Melanie said: “A new community room on the site will be offered to other professionals, including health visitors and other agencies, in order to run classes on healthy eating, cooking on a budget and support with child development and behaviour.”

The community centre offers help and support for families around Boston.

“Our new building will encompass childcare for children aged between two and 11 within our pre-school, as well as breakfast and after school clubs, and holiday clubs during school holidays,” added Melanie.

To raise funds, staff held a Hallowe’en event which raised £187. A father of a child who attends the centre shaved his head after not having his hair cut for six years, and was sponsored £300.