Community centre gets a makeover thanks to A52 road scheme

A Nottingham community centre has been given a smart new facelift after volunteers from a nearby road improvement scheme offered to lend a hand.

Volunteers from National Highways’  A52 Priory to QMC improvements scheme grabbed their paint brushes and overalls to help redecorate the Heathfield Community Centre which is the home of The Pythian Club.

Willing helpers came from National Highways and its scheme contractors, with Morgan Sindall providing the materials to brighten up the centre. 

The Pythian Club runs activities in socio-economically deprived areas to support the local communities and enable people from underprivileged backgrounds reach their full potential.

The activities include a variety of sports, mentoring and behaviour support and career workshops and aim to reduce youth violence and drive community cohesion.

National Highways’ Susan Chambers, who is the project manager for the A52 Derby Road improvements scheme, said:

“Whenever we have a large scheme on the ground we always look at ways to give back to the local communities as a small ‘thank you’ for their patience while our important works take place.

“The Pythian Club is doing a fantastic job in Nottingham providing young people with important life skills and bringing the community together. We were only too happy to support this amazing cause.” 

Ben Rosser, CEO for The Pythian Club, said:

“The Pythian club would like to thank Morgan Sindall and National Highways for their amazing work at our community centre.

“We’re so grateful that they are supporting our club with their amazing workmanship, passion and genuine desire to help others. Thanks again.”

National Highways is delivering a huge improvement scheme on the A52 Derby Road including reconstructing the carriageway, tackling issues with drainage and flooding and introducing a cycle path and safer pedestrian routes.

The Government-funded agency recently announced that it was working hard to make sure that the A52 is running in both directions in the run-up to Christmas. A one-way system is currently in place on the A52 to enable the significant works to take place. 

Some road closures are required to complete the work needed to get the road open ahead of the Christmas festivities. The first of two weekend closures will be taking place  Friday 21 November from 8pm until 6am on Monday 24 November.

There will be a full closure of A52 Derby Road between Priory and QMC roundabouts to resurface the westbound carriageway.

Road users and the local community will have the opportunity to speak to the project team about the progress that has been made and the next stages at two public information events taking place this week.