Dorman’s Community Centre in Gossops Green re-opened last week after Crawley company B&CE, alongside local suppliers and volunteers, renovated the facilities over the summer to create a bright and welcoming space for people in the local area.
B&CE undertook the refurbishment in just six weeks as part of its 75th anniversary celebrations, giving the centre a brand new look including a new kitchen, art room, and games store room.
Those attending the opening event included Crawley MP Henry Smith, Mayor of Crawley Brian Quinn, and our defender Mark Connolly, whose daughter uses the centre.
Speaking at the event, B&CE chief executive, Patrick Heath-Lay, said:
“I am delighted that in B&CE’s 75th year we’ve been able to give something back to the community and make a contribution that will hopefully have a real and lasting impact on the local area.
“With our links to the construction industry, renovating a local community centre was the perfect way of doing this.
“Dorman’s is hugely valuable to the local community, and thanks to everyone who’s helped out3 – whether that’s by picking up a paintbrush, donating supplies or just giving their time - we hope it will continue to be a central hub for people to come together and thrive.”
Dorman’s Community Centre is home to Crawley Community Youth Service, a local charity which encourages young people to get involved with the community.
Following the re-opening of Dorman’s, Dave Savage from Crawley Community Youth Service, said:
‘‘I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who’s been involved in the project. Dorman’s is a community centre to be proud of, providing vital services for local people, young and old but it was in serious need of a makeover.
“The centre plays a big part in the local community by teaching life skills to disadvantaged kids and people who need extra support, providing community space for residents to come together, and acting as a home-from-home for kids who may need a safe place to go to when life gets tough.
“Thanks to everyone involved, we can continue to encourage and support local people and their families to make a real difference in their lives.”
