Littleborough school block to be revamped in major £2.9 million project to support families

This comes as part of a £2.9 million renovation project centred around the transformation of a 2-storey infant block formerly used by Littleborough Community Primary School before it moved into a new build next door in 2023.

The block is set to undergo major upgrades to its facilities and upon completion, it will become the new permanent home for Littleborough Best Start Family Hub.

It will also be purposefully designed to host a dedicated new youth zone, and early years childcare for children from 6 weeks to 5 years old.

Other areas of the building will feature consultation rooms suitable for health-related appointments such as midwife checks, health visitor meetings and optical and hearing tests. Large meeting rooms will also be included for wider community use.

Councillor Rachel Massey, cabinet member for children’s services and education, said:

“This new facility will bring vital services together under one roof, making it easier for parents, carers, children and young people to access the help, activities and opportunities they deserve on their doorstep.

“It’s so important that we have spaces like this in the heart of our communities, places that bring people together, support their needs and make a real difference in their daily lives and I’m really looking forward to seeing how this new centre supports local families.

“Not only will parents and carers benefit from the fantastic sessions delivered by our family hubs team, we’re also creating a wonderful environment for our young people to socialise, feel safe, have fun and grow with their peers.

“We’re committed to giving our residents the best start in life, and I can’t wait to see this facility open its doors later this year.”

Littleborough Family Hub has been temporarily delivering services from the local leisure centre, since its former building was demolished on this same site, as part of plans to make way for the new school.

The council’s intention was always to relocate the hub back to its original site, with features of its new home due to include a brand-new sensory room, fully accessible changing facilities and external play areas – the perfect community resource for nearby families.

Creating a much-needed space for young people to spend their social time is equally important, with a host of recreational activities lined-up in the new youth zone including a cooking area, media room, games zone and activity space for performances and sports.

The renovation works, overseen by H Bell and Sons, are due to be completed later this summer.

As part of their involvement in the project, H Bell and Sons have offered to furnish the family hub’s new sensory room and donate equipment such as a table tennis table, table football and games consoles with accessible controllers.

The renovation works, overseen by H Bell and Sons, are due to be completed later this summer.

Chris Bell, managing director of H Bell and Sons, said:

“We’re proud to be part of this project, putting local families and young people first. Improving existing buildings like this helps secure their future for the community, while creating real social value today.

“As a Rochdale company that employs local people and works with local suppliers, we’re pleased to see investment into our town that will deliver real benefits long after the project is complete.”

Once the project is completed the borough will boast 17 Best Start Family Hubs and 6 youth centres.