The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Carmine Grimshaw, has officially opened a refurbished kitchen at Higher Blackley Community Centre, provided by ATG Access, reportedly providing a major boost for the local community.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by local councillors, centre staff, community members and volunteers.

A commemorative plaque was also reportedly unveiled to celebrate the completion of the renovation, carried out by North West-based perimeter physical security specialists ATG Access.

“The hub of the community”

Grimshaw said: “The work that has been done here is fantastic, especially the social value aspect of it.

“It’s clear to see it’s far more than just a community centre; it’s the hub of the community. 

“The support it provides to so many people is remarkable. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some of the unsung heroes behind it all, from centre manager Kate and her dedicated team, to the board of trustees and all the volunteers.

“It’s a shining example of what community spirit can achieve and I’d love to see it replicated right across Manchester.”

ATG Access: Volunteering their expertise

The kitchen, which had remained largely untouched since the centre was built in the 1960s, has been completely transformed by ATG Access, whose team reportedly volunteered their time, resources and expertise to modernise the space. 

ATG Access has articulated that the project was part of the company’s ongoing social value commitments, following its involvement in major infrastructure works across Manchester.

After connecting with the centre through Manchester City Council, ATG representatives reportedly visited the site last year and immediately knew they could make a difference.

Higher Blackley Centre renovations

The company has articulated that the renovation included a complete strip-out and redecoration of the old kitchen and servery, with new units, flooring and splashbacks installed.

Large appliances including a range cooker, American-style fridge freezer and commercial dishwasher were reportedly donated by ATG employees and its supply chain partners Van Leeuwen and Welding Engineering. 

The work was delivered over several weeks through ATG’s “Give a Day of Your Time” volunteering initiative, with more than a dozen employees contributing their time at various stages.

A vital hub for the community

Higher Blackley Community Centre is said to be a vital hub for people of all ages and abilities.

It offers a wide range of workshops, events, meet-ups and activities, from toddler groups to adult learning programmes and plays a key role in supporting the local community. 

The new kitchen is said to help the centre offer catering facilities to support various classes and groups, as well as further enhancing its services and sustainability.

In its first week of use, the new kitchen reportedly enabled the centre to provide meals for 11 families who would otherwise have gone without. 

An impactful development

Richard Ellis, Managing Director, ATG Access highlighted: “From our first visit, it was clear this was a place where we could make a real impact.

“The building was well-used and worn, but the people and the work being done there were inspiring.

“We felt a responsibility to help and were delighted to do so, getting ‘hands on’ through our volunteering programme.”

“A huge lift for the community”

Kate Shannon, Centre Manager, Higher Blackley Centre commented: “It’s been a huge lift for the community. The new kitchen means we can do more, support more people and take pride in our space again.

“It’s been a real team effort and we’re so grateful to ATG.”

ATG Access plans to continue its work across Greater Manchester, with future initiatives focused on supporting schools and young people through job fairs and work experience programmes.