Cottonmill Community Centre is "something really special"

The transformation of the old Marlborough Pavilion into the new Cottonmill Community Centre has been heralded by the lead councillor for public realm as "something really special - an outstanding, multi-purpose community facility that will be enjoyed by Sopwell and St Albans residents for years to come."

The council secured millions of pounds worth of funding for the Sopwell-based project, which is set to open its doors on Thursday 2 June.

Managed by leisure operators Everyone Active in partnership with the district council, the centre offers a BMX pump-track and cyclo-cross track, an impressive cycle hub offering bike maintenance and repairs workshops, a wudu room (ablution facilities for Muslim prayer), function room and café. The centre will also act as a training facility for local cycling and triathlon clubs.

Councillor Helen Campbell, Chair of the Public Realm Committee of St Albans City and District Council, said: "This is the culmination of our ambitious, multi-million pound project to replace the Marlborough Pavilion with a new community and cycling centre of the highest quality.

"I am delighted that the doors of the main building have now opened following the opening of the pump and cyclocross tracks a few weeks ago.

"Everything is now up and running and we will have an official launch later in the year, involving all those community groups and partner organisations who have helped bring this to fruition.

"I believe we have created something really special - an outstanding, multi-purpose community facility that will be enjoyed by Sopwell and St Albans residents for years to come."