WARRINGTON’S Centre for Independent Living is to be given a major facelift – thanks to a windfall grant from The Big Lottery community assets fund.
A combination of old age and reoccurring vandalism means that the current centre in Whitecross – home to Warrington Disability Partnership – is in desperate need of renovation. 
Planned works include new roofing and windows, installation of energy efficient heating and lighting systems, rewiring, damp proofing and internal space reconfigurations.
Teaching spaces, community rooms, IT suite and a bigger community café will be added while WDP will also be able to extend their range of services, activities and opening hours.
Work is expected to start this summer and should be completed by March next year and when completed will mean the centre will be better placed to serve the needs of the local community.
Coun Roy Smith, the borough council’s executive member for community services said: “we are delighted to be working with Warrington Disability Partnership to expand and improve this valuable centre.
“The key aim of these works is to provide a professional, welcoming and modern environment to service users and the wider community and to provide a focal point for the local community and to aid social cohesion.”
Dave Thompson, chairman of trustees for Warrington Disability Partnership said: “It has been a great experience working in partnership with WBC. The lessons learned here will be shared nationally with other organisations who will bid for future funding.
“This is great news for the team at WDP and WBC but more importantly for everyone who uses our services. The refurbished centre and adjoining buildings will enable us to extend our services to the wider community. Our team is currently planning to relocate for the next 12 to 18 months and looking forward to next year when we can return to a building that is as high a quality as the services we aspire to provide.”
Pictured: The Centre for Independent Living
