Council and democracy

Official opening of New Addington adult and community learning centre

Famous comedian and local resident Ronnie Corbett will be guest of honour at the official opening of Croydon Adult Learning and Training’s (CALAT) new education and community centre in New Addington at 2 pm on Tuesday 9 September.

The well loved actor will be joined by Croydon Central MP, Andrew Pelling, who will cut the ribbon to the new community-owned and purpose-built facility. Jointly funded by the Learning and Skills Council and Croydon Council, the centre offers a wide range of learning, training and community facilities under one roof for residents in New Addington and the surrounding areas.

Guests at the official opening will include local residents as well as CALAT learners, staff and various community partners and there will be a special presentation to successful adult learners by the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Robert Askey. Key speakers include Croydon Council’s cabinet member for children’s services and adult learning, Councillor Maria Gatland, Croydon Council chief executive, Jon Rouse and Garth Taylor, partnership director for the Learning and Skills Council.

The centre has been designed so that the space and flexible furnishing arrangements allow for a wide variety of community events to be held in the building alongside the usual delivery of training and career support and it is anticipated that it will provide a hub for local activity.

Situated in a prominent position on the Parade, the centre is fully accessible with close proximity to bus and tram stops. Among the services provided will be:

• a youth office housing the Croydon youth team and Connexions with  specialist support from the primary care trust
• an advisory service centre offering appointments to help those looking to  get back into work
• childcare provision
• community space
• an information point
• a drop-in flexible learning support centre
• fully equipped classrooms including a state-of-the-art IT training suite and beauty therapy suite.

Councillor Maria Gatland said: "New Addington has been noted nationally as an area of substantial economic deprivation and the opening of this centre is an important step in helping regenerate the area for the local community. Whether it be starting a training course, accessing the information and support available or making use of the open space specially provided for residents’ use, this new centre represents a real resource for local people."

For more information about courses offered by CALAT visit the website: www.calat.ac.uk or ring 0870 556 1630.