The Phoenix Centre

I have just returned from a successful Civic function in the new building called the Phoenix Centre. This was the replacement for the old sports club and was built with well over £1m of lottery monies. Down stairs it has changing rooms and a large function suite. Upstairs is a cafe/bar and a 3 side balcony area overlooking the various sports fields. The left hand side upstairs is now the home of the hugely successful Goodwick Brass Band.
Although the building has replaced the sports club the concept was expanded and is now called a community centre.
Despite the large amount of money invested and the potential of a purpose built building the success of the project is far from guaranteed. The contractor went bust and many organisations who promised to relocate to the new building have stayed away. The centre is being run by volunteers because the trustees cannot afford to employ staff. The potential for the building is being lost because the funding necessary to manage such a large modern facility is not in place and no matter how well intentioned the volunteers are without professional management they will always struggle.