Join the celebrations at the District Community Centre

Everyone is invited to visit and have fun at Great Western Park’s District Community Centre from 10am to midday on Saturday 25 June. 

Community groups and regular hirers will be demonstrating the variety of clubs, groups and activities regularly using the largest community centre on Great Western Park. As part of the district council’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, there’ll also be an opportunity for residents to give their ideas on an exciting new living sculpture. Once the final design is decided, the new art piece will be planted at the side of the centre.

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District councillors, Leaders and Chairs will be attending to officially open the centre before inviting everyone inside.

The building was constructed by local developers during the pandemic and the district councils were handed the keys in autumn 2020. The modern community venue is 894 square metres in size and includes a large main hall that could host events for up to 270 people. It has a catering kitchen for events and four other multi-purpose rooms, which are perfect for smaller classes, workshops and parties.

While having to remain closed due to Covid-19, the councils were able to put in extra facilities and equipment using contributions made by developers that had built new homes in the area. The centre is now equipped with tables and chairs and a variety of hire equipment, including soft play sets, parachute play sets, and table tennis and, more recently, the councils have invested in new art inside the building to signpost visitors around.

Cllr Emily Smith, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “We’re excited to celebrate and welcome all our residents to our largest and newest community building. Since opening, the centre is now thriving with a variety of groups regularly hiring the community building for their own activities and it’s becoming a popular venue for private parties.”

Cllr David Rouane, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “The district, southern and northern centres are all excellent facilities for residents living in and around the town and with the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, it’s the perfect time for everyone to come and join in the celebration with us.”

The district centre is one of three community buildings on Great Western Park. The Northern Centre was the first to be built and consists of a small main hall and kitchen. The Southern Centre is a new facility, which has a large main hall and has a kitchen, two smaller meeting rooms and a large outdoor multi-use games area.  All the centres are available for hire and include a wide variety equipment available.