Labour Milton Keynes City Council is poised to commit funding to provide new community space and a home for vital MK charities in Galley Hill.
The plans would see a refurbished space for a new Charities Hub, creating a space for MK Food Bank and associated charities to continue their valuable work helping mitigate the rise in child poverty and helping those impacted of the cost-of-living crisis.
Labour Milton Keynes City Council is working quickly to support the long-term sustainability vital services that these charities provide for the city, with plans for the new Charity Hub to be operational from 1st April 2025.
If approved, £1M will be invested into the Watling Way Centre improvement programme, which will also see the current local centre receive a facelift and much-needed maintenance issues addressed to provide a community meeting place for residents.
As well as the local community being able to make use of the centre’s new modern facilities, the plans also include developing a community garden.
The community centre plans are part of a wider regeneration programme for Galley Hill and Fullers Slade which include a new SEND school, a discount supermarket, public realm renewal and housing improvements.
Cllr Lauren Townsend, Cabinet Member for Resources & Customer Experience said:
“The Charities Hub was an essential service for many residents in the city during the pandemic and still remains a vital support mechanism today. Milton Keynes City Council has proudly supported the current Charity Hub in Kiln Farm, and with its current lease ending on 31st March, this plan would see long term support in place for the charities.
“We are working hard to ensure continued support for charities, which are a lifeline for our residents, as well as providing more community spaces and modern facilities for the people of Galley Hill and surrounding areas to enjoy.
“This scheme is part of a much wider investment and improvement plan for Fullers Slade and Galley Hill estates, and is a hugely important part of our priorities as a Labour council.”