Armadale set for £1.3m boost

Nov 19 2009 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

A WEST Lothian town is set to have a new £1.3 million community centre by spring.

Work on the new centre for Armadale, which started in June, is progressing well.

When completed the new centre will include a library and community facilities reinforcing West Lothian Council’s successful connected model, which enables customers to access more services in one place.

During the development of the new community centre the council worked closely with the Armadale Community Centre management committee.

Through this partnership working, the bodies aim to promote a positive programme involving the whole community.

Executive councillor for culture and leisure with the local authority, Jim Walker, said the new facilities will be a major boost to the town.

He said: “The new centre for the residents of Armadale and the surrounding area, with state-of-the-art facilities including new kitchens, community rooms, sports hall and library with computer suite, will be attractive to community organisations and youth groups.

“Plans are already underway to develop the youth work activity in the area to coincide with the opening of the centre which means we will be investing positively in the future of our young people.

“When completed the community centre will be completely refurbished with a new heating system and improved access arrangements.

“A new kitchen is being built and this will help us to enhance youth work activities and also other community activities.

“People who enjoy sports will appreciate the new changing rooms in the games hall and through partnership working with the management committee, we will also be installing a new wooden floor to assist with the sports programme.

“Library Services are undertaking a survey to find out what local people want from their library.

“As a local authority we would encourage people from throughout the Armadale area to actively participate in the survey and forms are available in Armadale Library until Friday, November 27 or online at www.westlothian.gov.uk/tourism/libservices.”