Community centre named in honour of postman set to reopen

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A COMMUNITY centre is set to reopen on Saturday after months of hard work and significant investment.

The Weller Centre - renamed in honour of a beloved postman - will open its doors to the public following a £600,000 refurbishment and extension.

The centre was formerly known as Armersham Road Youth and Community Centre and closed in March to allow for the upgrade.

Reading Borough Council invited the public to make suggestions for a new name when the facility reopened and an overwhelming number of people decided to pay tribute to Martin Weller, who died of a brain haemorrhage in February.

Mayor of Reading, Councillor Rose Williams, will be part of the official opening ceremony, with basketball sessions, live samba music and bingo planned throughout the day in Caversham.

Councillor Liz Terry, lead member for Neighbourhoods, said: “I am delighted to see the Weller Centre open and offering a good quality venue for the residents of Lower Caversham.

“It is fitting that the new community centre will carry the name of someone who was so special to the people in the area. He will be remembered for years to come.

“It is a fabulous space and I am sure it will be well used by local people for a wide range of activities.”

Mr Weller was an active volunteer with Caversham Children's Fund, helping children and their families in his spare time before his death.

The new and improved Weller Centre will have a spacious lobby area, a café, free wifi and space to host private events, such as birthday parties.

Reading Borough Council worked with the Earley Charity and community to find a way of upgrading the community centre and committed £75,000 to the project.

The Earley Charity’s £540,000 investment allowed for a new façade and a new reception area.

Deborah Jenkins, chair of the Earley Charity’s Community Development Committee, added: “Step by step many people have worked hard to achieve the relaunching of this community hub.

“The Earley Charity is strongly committed to working with local residents and community partners to make this project the resounding success it deserves to be.”