Eastside Community Hub opens in Whitby as part of £17m investment

The Eastside Community Hub in Whitby has officially opened, making it one of the first projects funded under the government’s Town Deal program to reach completion.

The project includes an expansion of the Eastside Community Center that will accommodate a wider range of activities and training, in addition to a new community cafe. As part of the scheme, a purpose-built gym was set up for Whitby Boxing Club to allow it to expand its membership.

The Abbots Road building received a £823,000 contribution from Towns Fund to build a modern new home for Whitby Boxing Club to give more young people the opportunity to play sport.

Additional funding for Whitby Boxing Club came from Sport England and the Sirius Foundation.

Councilor Derek Bastiman, North Yorkshire Council board member for opening up to business, said: “The opening of the boxing club and Eastside Community Hub is a huge boost for Whitby residents.

“Each Town Deal project has been selected because it is transformative and can have a positive impact on our residents.

“The boxing club offers young people a safe, well-educated environment in which to play sports and make friends. We already know the great work and support that the Community Hub provides, and the expansion will only open up those opportunities to more people.”

The 14 projects funded under the Town Deal program aim to deliver better outcomes for residents and businesses by making the area livelier and more vibrant while building on cultural heritage.

Cllr Neil Swannick, Member of North Yorkshire Council for Whitby Streonshalh Division, said: “It’s fantastic that the east side of Whitby has been able to benefit from the funding.

“I look forward to the new community hub being well used by the many local organizations and community groups in the area.”

Earlier this month, Community Hub leaders and invited guests gathered to celebrate the launch of the site.

The boxing gym opened its doors last year and in January it was visited by Minister for Leveling Up, Dehenna Davison MP, who was updated on the progress of Town Deal projects in the area.

Project Sponsor and Eastside Community Hub Chair Sandra Turner added, “With our expansion and other improvements, we now have three usable spaces and the cafe will help open it up to our community, especially those who may be around.” .” their own and have no place to go.

“We look forward to a truly positive future having this wonderful building at our disposal.”