By Lisa Ramsden
A lengthy campaign to breathe new life into a derelict building became a reality at the weekend when Newcastle Harbour Heritage Association and supporters gathered to see the official opening of its new community hub.
The historic generator house has been transformed into a bright and welcoming space, where harbour users and the wider community will be able to avail of the facilities now on offer.
Thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers who have worked tirelessly and relentlessly to make this dream a reality, the building now offers a multipurpose room for meetings, events, and community activities.
Facilities also include a toilet, along with a shower and changing facilities for swimmers, harbour users and anyone else who takes to the water, as well as a warm and welcoming space for those seeking companionship, support or relaxation. It is also hoped that a range of courses, art and cultural programmes, and a ‘warm space’ initiative for the colder and darker months will also be rolled out.
The opening ceremony marked the culmination of more than six years of dedication, fundraising, planning, and community effort to transform the historic Generator House into a vibrant and welcoming space for the entire community. Residents from across the town gathered to see the new-look building officially opened by Canon Myrtle Morrison, rector of the nearby St John’s Parish Church. She commended the group on both its endeavours and goals for the future.
Speaking following the official ribbon-cutting, Newcastle Harbour Heritage Association’s (NHHA) co-chairperson Campbell Miller described Saturday’s event as “a truly historic day for Newcastle Harbour”. The local man added that he and his NHHA colleagues “are proud to open what is the first dedicated community space at the harbour area for generations”.
He said seeing the large crowd in attendance on Saturday to help celebrate the success of the initiative is “a testament to the strength of community spirit that has made this project possible”.
