Dunston Family Church
Dunston Family Church
When Dunston Activity Centre opened in 1986, Dunstan Family Church was one of the first organisations to make its home there. From 1986 until the end of 2015 we remained loyal customers of Gateshead Council, enjoying the pleasant and modern facilities as customers.
Then as part of a multimillion pound cost saving exercise, Gateshead Council announced the closure of Dunston Activity Centre. Following a public outcry, and after consultaton and negotiation with Gateshead Council, it was agreed that Dunston Family Church would take over the running and operation of the Activity Centre.
The following articals appeared in the Evening Chronical:
Gateshead Council had earmarked the facility for closure as part of its raft of savings, but a church has stepped in to save it.
Gateshead Council had earmarked the facility for closure as a result of the £110m of savings which the authority has had to make since 2010.
The new operators have pledged to retain as many of the present services operating out of the building as possible, although the way some services are delivered are likely to change.
Coun Gary Haley, cabinet member for culture, sport and leisure at Gateshead Council, said: “There has been some concern locally that the Dunston Activity Centre has been threatened with closure. I am pleased to say that this is now definitely not the case.
“By transferring responsibility for the building and its services to the Dunston Family Church, we have safeguarded the future of the centre and the services it provides.
“Dunston Family Church has assured us of their intention to maintain the existing services and activities, and we have been impressed by their clear focus on meeting the community’s need.
“The church submitted a business plan which demonstrated that it has sufficient capacity to manage the centre and take it forward.
“I am therefore confident that by transferring responsibility for Dunston Activity Centre to the Dunston Family Church, the centre will continue to play an important part in community life far into the future.”
The library has become volunteer-run and recruitment and training of volunteers to operate it has taken place, with the library open to the public.
The gym will continue to operate and anyone who is a Dunston Activity Centre member will have access.
Gateshead Active Card members will no longer be able to use the facilities, although similar facilities are available at the nearby Dunston Leisure Centre. Gymnastics coaching will continue as before with no change in service.
The Gateshead Housing Company will continue to operate within the centre, while facilities for paying rent and council tax will cease on December 23, 2015.
But the council says alternative arrangements for payments are already in place.
Ed Nichols, from Dunston Family Church, said: “We are delighted with Gateshead Council’s transfer of Dunston Activity Centre to us.
“Working in partnership with the council, we will continue to provide the rich vein of current activities and services for local people and to maintain high standards of ‘customer’ care and satisfaction. In a phrase - it’s business as usual.”
Dunston Activity Centre has transferred from the Council to the Dunston Family Church as a result of the El 10m of savings which the Council has been required to make since 2010.
Following the takeover, some changes are now in place. For example, the library has become a volunteer-run library with support from the Council.
The gym continues to operate and anyone who is a Dunston Activity Centre member will have access, but Gateshead Active Card members will no longer be able to use the facilities, although similar facilities are available at the nearby Dunston Leisure Centre. Gymnastics coaching will continue as before with no change in service.
The Gateshead Housing Company will continue to offer a service from the centre. Facilities for paying rent and council tax will stop on 23 December 201 5, but alternative arrangements for payments are already in place.
Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Leisure Councillor Gary Haley said: "There had been some concern locally that the centre has been threatened with closure. I am pleased to say that this is now definitely not the case.
"By transferring responsibility for the building and its services to the Dunston Family Church, we have safeguarded the future of the centre."
Ed Nichols from Dunston Family Church in partnership with the Council, we will continue to provide the rich vein of current activities and services for local people and to maintain high standards of customer care and satisfaction. In a phrase: business as usual!
"We are now available to meet with local people to discuss ideas for new activities, to consider accommodation for new classes and groups and to engage with local organisations and businesses with a view to providing office space."