In partnership with Adderstone Living, we contributed £35,000 towards the transformation of Moorsley Hut, a newly renovated community centre in Hetton-le-Hole.
The new community centre will provide activities for all ages, clubs, entertainment and education. Since opening, The Hut has already welcomed residents for coffee mornings, bingo, karate, and choir.
Last week, colleagues from Gentoo and Adderstone Living joined residents and volunteers to celebrate the official opening and plaque unveiling which was carried out by former Moorsley resident and 80’s music producer, Trever Horn.
The opening of the new hut aligns with work restarting on our nearby affordable housing development Eskdene Rise, less than a 10-minute walk from The Hut.
Jennifer Parke, Delivery Manager said: “It’s clear there’s a strong community spirit in Moorsley and it’s great to be able to support this new community space for our customers and residents to enjoy.
“As well as building much-needed affordable housing for hundreds of local residents, Gentoo is committed to supporting the local community and helping to make Moorsley a better place for everyone.”
Our latest development, which is being built by affordable house builder Adderstone Living will feature 86 new homes, including two, three and four bedroom houses, two-bedroom bungalows and two-bedroom apartments. The homes will be available for Affordable Rent, Shared Ownership and Rent to Buy.
Paul Smith, Project Manager at Adderstone Living said: “I am very much enjoying working on the Eskdene Rise scheme, along with the great team from Gentoo. The community spirit in the area is really strong and it was great to play our part in refurbishing the Moorsley Hut which is exactly the sort of facility the locals need.
"I look forward to future engagement in the area whilst based on site in Moorsley.”
Residents and volunteers from the Moorsley and District CIO, recognised a need for a community centre in the area and campaigned for over 18 years to receive approx. £600,000 in funding to redevelop the community centre.
Jackie Worthington, Volunteer at Moorsley & District CIO said: “The volunteers of Moorsley were extremely pleased to see the opening of our new community building last week. We are fortunate to have received funding from various sources, including Gentoo.
“We are so proud of our new building and look forward to welcoming all residents of the area and their friends into the Hut for activities, education, and entertainment.”
Funding came from a range of contributors including Gentoo, 3Together Big Local, Sunderland City Council and many others, well as donations from generous individuals.
To find out more about the new Moorsley Hut, search Moorsley & District CIO on Facebook.
Find out more about the Eskdene Rise development or to register your interest.
