"The upgrades are transformational" - Celebrations held to mark £175,000-plus revamp at 'core community facility' in Boston

The six-figure upgrade has taken place at The Len Medlock Voluntary Centre.

Based in St Georges Road, at one end of the Rosegarth Square redevelopment scheme, the centre acts as a home for community groups and not-for-profit organisations.

Improvements have included upgraded disabled toilet facilities, a refreshed reception area, new energy efficiency measures, and the creation of garden area for users of the centre to enjoy.

The work has been carried out through the Boston Partnership Fund, a joint effort between Central Government and Boston Borough Council to support the town through investment in capital projects.

Members of Boston Borough Council Coun Sandeep Ghosh, Coun Claire Rylott and Coun Mike Gilbert recently took a tour of the centre to see the results of the project.

The visit also included the presentation of a plaque to mark the investment.

Coun Ghosh, portfolio holder for finance, said: “It has been wonderful to explore the year-long programme of works, delivered at pace by the Len Medlock Voluntary Centre team. It has truly transformed this core community facility, which has served residents and the voluntary sector throughout Boston borough since the turn of the century.

“It has been my pleasure to oversee the significant investment that has been made by Boston Borough Council into this building through the Boston Partnership Fund. The investment made here will enable residents to access a greater range of voluntary services and ensure that our voluntary sector organisations are working in modern, pleasant conditions.

“The result has been this impressive project which has renovated the building throughout, replaced the roof and installed energy efficiency measures like solar panels that will make the building fit for the future and a sustained community asset that will be used by the voluntary sector for many years to come.”

The centre was officially opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne in March 2000.

It is named after town benefactor Len Medlock, who donated millions to his home town of Boston and helped fund the building.

Dan Keuneke, centre manager, gave ‘a big thank you’ to the Boston Partnership Fund for making the upgrades possible.

“This funding has allowed us to make some great and essential improvements to the centre which will benefit individuals and groups of the community that use the centre,” he said.

“The upgrades are transformational, from a relocated disabled toilet which offers more dignity and space for users and carers to the major overhaul of the reception which not only looks fantastic, but also offers a welcoming and more comfortable waiting area which no longer needs to heavily rely on heating and air conditioning.

“The installation of new solar panels, battery storage and monitoring equipment is already helping with the day-to-day running costs of the centre, making use of the large roof we have at the centre. The battery storage enables the centre to run off its backup for the first part of the day and is fed by the solar to give longer free/cheaper electricity – all in the aim of making the centre more energy efficient.”

Closing, he said: “We would also like to thank the wonderful companies and tradespeople that have carried out this work, and have, where possible, made sure to use local trades.”