New Eastpoint Centre: Works begins on state of the art conference and community centre

7 July 2010

Work has begun on the £10m Conference and Community Centre in Thornhill being built by Kier Southern. A turf cutting ceremony on Friday 25th June signalled the start of works at Eastpoint Centre Burgoyne Road. The ceremony started with an introductory speech from Eastpoint company secretary, Jean Roost, with Trustees ceremoniously cutting the first piece of turf.

The new centre, which will be finished in a year’s time, will act as a hub for businesses and communities in Southampton. It will boast the latest business conference facilities in a three-storey 3,770sq m development.

Councillor Smith Deputy Leader of Southampton City Council said:
“This is a project that will benefit business and the local community. The facilities include a first class training and conference space. For the local community there will be meeting rooms for community groups, a social club and a restaurant area.

“This will bring a renewed sense of community and pride to Thornhill, and this coupled with the major regeneration work taking place at Hinkler Parade demonstrates Southampton City Council’s commitment to improving the quality of people’s lives.

“This development will employ many people on the new build and bring future business opportunities to the area.”

The new Conference and Community Centre will be located within the existing grounds of Eastpoint, which was formerly a school but converted to community use 26 years ago.

Many of the people that currently use the old building will move across to the new one, with new groups welcome next summer when the doors to the new Conference and Community will open.

Image Shows: Celebration at the site of the new Eastpoint Centre
Image copyright: Southampton City Council

For more information from Southampton City Council Press Office:

Tel: 023 8083 2000