Parkside Community Centre in Goodmayes Lane now has the funds for a 21st century makeover to bring the ageing building up to scratch for its 60th anniversary in 2027.
It has secured £147,000 from three sources — the City Bridge Trust, the National Lottery and Veolia.
A disused run-down area is being brought back to life while social services are being expanded, thanks to the grant.
“This is a game-changer for us,” Parkside’s manager Annie Peck said. “We can now bring a disused area back as a warm space for people to enjoy and make friends.
“The funding also means we can reduce our carbon footprint.”
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The centre has a mission “to enrich lives in the community in life-changing ways”.
It runs social services with health and welfare activities, recreation, education and community events “to improve life for those facing poverty and hardships”.
Services are being extended to help those in need while the facilities are being modernised to improve accessibility.
The improvements follow an ‘eco audit’ last year which drew up the plans that have now received the funding to go ahead.
Parkside was first opened in 1967 as a charity with the building leased from Redbridge Council.
