THERE were cheers all round at the opening of Great Oldbury Community Centre.

The £3.5 million complex was handed over to the new parish council by developer Robert Hitchins, which led and funded the project with development partners Redrow South West.

Special guest Gloucester Rugby captain Lewis Ludlow kicked off proceedings by cutting the ribbon helped by three-year-old Freddie Yule, who was there with grandparents Steve and Lisa Whitlock, who live on the new development.

The complex has a meeting room, office, sports hall, changing facilities, storage rooms, kitchen, parking and children’s playground.

The parish council also has a 25-year lease on the adjoining sports pitches.

Robert Hitchins provided the centre as part of a planning agreement linked to the new estate which includes a permitted 1,350 homes, a local centre, primary school and an employment area.

Designed by Quattro Design and built by Barnwood with project management by Ward Williams, it is the home of the newly formed Great Oldbury Parish Council.

Parish councillor Phill Ward said: “It’s an excellent, modern community facility and we’re very grateful. A lot of other councils would give their right arm for something like this.

“It’s a privilege to finally be here and to open it with everyone’s support. We’re looking forward to bringing it into use for parties, meetings, sports and community groups when booking opens on January 1.”