The centre on Front Street, Stanhope is run by charity Stanhope Community Association and is owned by the community.
There is a second-hand store and book room, all run by volunteers. A number of groups and classes run throughout the week and can be attended for a low cost. New participants will always be made very welcome.
The centre is housed in the former Stanhope Police Station and Courtroom. There are still some cells which these days are used for storage.
Upstairs is a large hall with wooden panelling and an attached kitchen. Capacity in the hall is sixty. There is also a studio space which is used by Weardale’s creative writing group, Northpens and other groups.
Downstairs there are two further bookable rooms and a kitchen. All rooms in the centre are available to hire at rates ranging from £10 per hour.
The centre even has its own pottery studio used by a regular group and visiting artists.
“It’s hugely rewarding running the centre,” says volunteer trustee, Jo Rendall, “but we really need help. The centre and the community it serves would benefit from more trustees and volunteers.”
A feasibility study has recently been carried out to explore how the centre can be made more accessible and to maximize use.
“It’s a really exciting time for the centre,” says fellow trustee, Kathryn Hayman, “with lots of positive changes on the horizon.”
If you’d like to get involved, as a volunteer or trustee to attend groups or classes or make a booking, check out the website or Facebook page. The trustees are happy to provide more information and arrange visits.
