A building that provides the heartbeat of a County Durham village is now fully owned by the community it serves.
Created over half a century ago by dedicated residents, Ouston Community Centre plays host to everything from football training to martial arts classes; am-dram performances to badminton and table tennis tournaments; and fitness classes to a thriving church.
The centre was built in the early 1970s, when Ouston residents bandied together to launch a “buy a brick” initiative, eventually raising enough cash to fund construction of the building on land owned by Durham County Council.
For 50 years, Centre Trustees paid an annual peppercorn rent to the authority, under a long-term lease. However, an agreement reached with the County Council for the land to transfer to The Board of Trustees, means the centre is now fully owned by the community it serves.
County councillor, Labour’s Alison Batey, said:
“This is a massive deal for our community and the culmination of a great deal of hard work by the Trustees, volunteers, residents, our Parish Councils and many people who use and value Ouston Community Centre.
“For a building that was only made possible via the commitment and determination of a community, it is entirely fitting for that community to now own and operate it for the benefit of the village and surrounding areas.
“We know it may seem minor to anyone outside the village, but our community knows how important this little structure is to parents, older people, youngsters, dancers, martial artists, actual artists, Christians, singers, dancers and those in need of company and a warm space…with some being involved in many of the above!”
The voluntary Board of Trustees manage regular activities and events, including 50th birthday celebrations in 2023. Around five years ago, the Board launched the effort to secure the transfer of land began, with the support of Labour councillors, in what turned out to be a unique situation for DCC of land transfer.
Paul McFarling, Chair of Board of Trustees, said:
“The asset transfer gives us hope! It helps the Trustee’s Board to plan better and secure more investment, giving funding organisations reassurance that we are viable, both now and in the future.
“Now that we have certainty of ownership, additional finances will enable us to deliver new and exciting projects moving forward, which I look forward to steering as Board Chair.”
The Centre is always busy, regularly hosting 18 organisations, consisting of around 700 service users. Hired out for functions and parties, users also enjoy a massive variety of activities, including infant’s football, martial arts classes, theatre, badminton, table tennis, fitness classes and church on a Sunday. Fully inclusive and accessible, it also hosts a group supporting people with brain injuries.
A foodbank was created during Covid, helping locals during the pandemic and subsequent austerity-related issues, including a meals on wheels service. The centre is a hub during power cuts, providing hot drinks, food, warm space, workspace and charging facilities.
Over the past 5 years, the centre has had a complete roof renovation, toilets refurbishment, creation of conference facilities, sports hall floor upgrades and re-decoration throughout. Working with councillors, who regularly financially support events, there has also been investment into kitchen appliances and equipment, CCTV installed, ongoing drainage improvements and the car park resurfacing.
Norman Badger, former Ouston Community Association Chair, said:
“Congratulations to the Trustees. It’s been a long drawn-out process, but with the help of Cllr Alison Batey, it’s now done.”
Centre user, John Tate (original “Buy a Brick-er”), added:
“This will be of great benefit to the community, and we are hoping for wonderful things in the future. Thanks to all those who worked so hard to achieve this.”