A new community hub for the town

Welshpool’s latest community centre has officially opened its doors to the public with a message to ‘come and see for yourself’.

The 1st Clive’s Own Welshpool Scout Headquarters and Community Centre (COWSHACC) represents more than £800,000 of investment in the town and it has been constructed to be used for all types of services and functions.

“I am extremely happy to say the centre is now officially open,” said Kylie Alder, Centre Manager. 

“The opening event was an open house for clients, neighbours and the general public to freely have a look around and view the fantastic new facilities available for the whole community, not only for Welshpool but surrounding areas too.”

The centre was awarded £499,385 by the BIG Lottery Fund and £300,000 by Community Facilities and Activities Programme (CFAP), Welsh Assembly Government. A further sum has been raised through a concerted local effort.

The COWSHACC has been built on the site of the old scout hut on Berriew Street Car Park and will be the new home also for the 1st Clive’s Own Welshpool Cubs and Scouts who joined in the opening celebrations by officially cutting the ribbon. 

“The community centre is not only home to the Cubs and Scouts, but it is already home to a diverse range of clubs, groups and committees including; Parkinson’s Disease Society, Welshpool Bingo Association, Angela Lee Pilates and Yoga, Great Fitness, Welshpool Rugby Club and Arts Connection in which all hold regular meetings and classes here,” added Kylie.

“McCartneys Estate Agents, NFU, U3A, Forum and Dyfed-Powys Police to name but a few are also amongst the companies that have used the centre in recent months too.”

The centre is available for private hire with Kylie saying it is an ideal venue for wedding receptions, family celebrations, children’s parties, exhibitions, dances, indoor sports, conferences, training events and much more.

So what’s in the new facility?

The COWSHACC is a modern, spacious and eco-friendly building with a large main hall, two smaller rooms ideal for formal or informal meetings plus a variety of other uses, a fully fitted catering kitchen, free WiFi and lots of parking.

For all bookings contact Kylie on 07434 944431 or kylie@cowshacc.org.uk.

PICTURE ONE: 1st Clive's Own Welshpool Cubs & Scouts (Left to right at back Farrell McManus- Group Scout Leader, Mathew McManus - Scout Leader, Kim Negri - Cub Leader)

PICTURE TWO (from left): Farrell McManus- 1st Clive’s Own Welshpool Group Scout Leader, Kylie Alder - COWSHACC Centre Manager, Derek Preston-Hughes - Funding Manager, BIG Lottery Fund.

Pictures courtesy of Toby H