Gorton Community Centre

As part of the Heron House project, Manchester City Council approached Kier to lend a helping hand in the renovation of Gorton Community Centre. With the generosity of our supply chain and a group of Kier staff volunteers; we spent a fortnight painting the building throughout and making the toilet and shower facilities accessible. We also fitted a new kitchen and improved the children’s welfare and changing areas.

We are extremely grateful to our subcontractors, namely SES Engineering, P&L Joinery and John Abbotts Flooring who donated time and materials free of charge. We also received match funding from the Kier Foundation. All this helped to make sure the work was complete to a high standard.

The project also meant we were able to offer three work experience opportunities to painting and decorating students from The Manchester College.

On handover day there was a fantastic atmosphere. Regional Director, Garry Bowker and MCC Deputy Leader Nigel Murphy joined the Centre Manager Doreen Martin for the big reveal. The occasion was marked with a ribbon cutting and a tea party attended by all who volunteer and run groups at the centre.

Doreen, who has been involved at the centre since 1978 when her husband was a founding member, had the biggest smile in the room. Of the renovations Doreen said, “I think what Kier has done is unbelievable. It’s always been a pleasure coming here in the morning, but it’s even better coming to a nice, bright space. They’ve done a really good job.”

Garry had been one of the volunteers on hand the week before. Laughingly he told the centre users how Kier staff had got their own back, “I came down for a day and they gave me the job of cleaning the toilets!”

A special mention and big thank you needs to go to Site Manager, Dale Capstick. As well as overseeing the entire project, Dale could be found painting, plastering, tiling and cleaning throughout.

A huge thank you and well done to all involved.