The Aylesford Village Community Centre has been given a helping hand this week with a significant contribution from The Junction. The Junction owns and manages the 167,000 sq ft South Aylseford Retail Park and has pledged its support for the Community Centre’s ongoing renewal with a £2,500 donation.

The gift is being put to good use already with the development of a new outdoor area for the Centre, giving those who hire its halls a comfortable all-season outside space.

The Centre has been undergoing a major transformation over the last couple of years with double glazing being fitted throughout and the replacement of the building’s roof. This latest announcement falls in the same week as the Aylesford Festival Celebration that will take place in and around the Centre this Saturday. Villagers and others from the surrounding area will be able to see how the Centre has been developed for the 21st Century and will take the opportunity to preview upcoming elements of its continued ‘makeover’.

More and more bookings are being taken for use of the halls and regular hirers now range from belly dancers, a local history society group to toddlers’ discos and keep fit groups. The Centre is also a favourite for wedding receptions and birthday parties and the Community Centre team feels sure that a new outdoor terrace will add to its appeal.

Lois Williams, Responsible Business Manager for The Junction commented “It is important to us that we support the local community and when we heard of the development taking place at the Community Centre we were pleased to offer our financial commitment and backing.”

Lin Brooks, who helps run the Aylesford Village Community Centre, is excited at the latest development plans. She commented “This is an important step in the renewal of the Centre’s facilities. The provision of a new outdoor patio area will really enhance the centre and strengthen its position as a focal point for the village and we are delighted that The Junction has offered to sponsor it for us.”

The South Aylesford Retail Park provides the area with a considerable and varied out-of-town retail offer that compliments the shops in the town centre around it. The retail park houses ten big-name retailers including Bhs, Homebase, Currys and Carpetright.