Community Celebrates Opening of £750,000 GL13 Hub in Berkeley

A new £750,000 community hub has opened in Berkeley, Gloucestershire, providing essential services and facilities to local residents. The GL13 Community Hub, which includes a library, meeting spaces, and various support services, is the result of a dedicated 13-year effort by community volunteers. The official opening ceremony took place on October 20, 2023, with Vice Lord-Lieutenant Richard Bradley cutting the ribbon.

The hub is not just a library; it aims to be a vibrant centre for the entire Berkeley area. John Stanton, chairman of the trustees, expressed his excitement about the building’s potential. “We’ve got all sorts of activities planned,” he stated, highlighting existing programs such as a craft club, gardening club, and history group. The hub will also host essential services, including a food bank and advisory services from Citizens Advice and the local council.

With funding from 27 different sources, the project has demonstrated remarkable community engagement. Stanton noted, “It cost about three-quarters of a million. Stroud District Council were really helpful. We did a crowdfunding campaign and raised about £20,000 – a lot of the locals have been very generous.”

The project received additional support from the Stroud District Council, with senior community infrastructure officer Krista Harris acknowledging the significance of the hub. “This project was considered to be a really important item of social infrastructure that is going to provide for a multitude of community uses,” she said. Harris emphasized the need for outreach facilities in an area that lacks robust public transport.

The hub’s development comes after the previous library building, which had fallen into disrepair, was demolished. District Councillor Paul Turner remarked on the necessity for a community gathering space, stating, “This building will give space for all sorts of services for the community.” The council plans to offer programs such as balance and strengthening classes for the elderly, making the hub a vital resource for various age groups.

Council leader Chloe Turner expressed her satisfaction with the community-led initiative. “The community has decided what the community wants. We’re just seeking to support that coming forward,” she said. She also praised the aesthetic appeal of the new hub, calling it a “beautiful space” that can serve everyone in the area.

The GL13 Community Hub is open to the public on Tuesdays from 10:00 to 18:00, Fridays from 10:00 to 16:00, and Saturdays from 10:00 to 12:00. The establishment of this hub marks a significant milestone for Berkeley, symbolizing the power of community collaboration and commitment to local needs.