£25k refurbishment transforms Apfel Lane Community Centre in Chadderton

Apfel Lane Community Centre is set to open this spring following  £25,000 refurbishment of its main room.

Our contract partners Connolly Limited and Wates Property Services (WPS) funded the work as part of our social value drive after the centre in Chadderton closed late last year.

WPS spent £20,000 on new flooring, a new ceiling and lighting, plus decorating and new blinds. To make the building cosy and energy efficient Connolly spent a further £3,500 on new windows. More money will be spent on furniture and other work in the coming weeks bringing the total to around £25,000.

“This community centre is much-loved, but it was dated and needed a revamp to bring it up to standard," said our Stronger Communities Manager Naomi Martin-Smith.

“Thanks to the generous support of WPS and Connolly Limited we are now putting the finishing touches to this refurbishment and looking forward to a spring reopening. The new room is more spacious and comfortable with much better lighting. The new windows have made the building look appealing and comfy too.”

She added: “All this means the community centre will soon once again be a valuable and welcoming space for customers, volunteers and local groups that in the past have included an autism parent peer support and guitar music groups."

Operations manager at WPS, Brian Birch, said: “We are immensely proud to have supported this refurbishment as part of our Conservation and Community Month. Our commitment to reimagining places for people to thrive inspires us to create welcoming, functional spaces that serve the heart of the community.

“Working closely with our communities is essential, as it strengthens trust, ensures the work we deliver reflects real local needs, and creates long‑lasting social value. By investing in community spaces, we help build pride, connection, and wellbeing, aligning with our purpose to make a meaningful difference where it matters most.”