Nepalese community centre to reopen in city

A centre catering mainly to a city's Nepalese community will be reopened after a new lease was agreed.

Peterborough City Council has agreed a long-term lease with the Peterborough Nepalese Society (PNS) for Stafford Hall in the Westwood area of the city.

The building, owned by the council, had been closed for more than a year after it was agreed it required a significant amount of investment and repair work to enable it to reopen.

Following the lease agreement, PNS will now carry out urgent works so it can be used by the society and local community, with an expected reopening of later this year.

The lease agreement came as part of the council's ongoing review of its assets to determine how it can best manage its land, buildings and facilities, "ensuring that taxpayers' money is being spent in the most efficient way and that buildings are fit for purpose", the council said.

Mahesh Adhikari, trustee of the PNS, said: "Our group has a proud association with Stafford Hall dating back to 2007 - the building was like a second home for us.

"We used to hold all manner of events, bringing people together and giving them the chance to try activities or learn new skills.

"We are currently working around the clock to refurbish Stafford Hall and we are going make it even better than before."

Alison Jones, cabinet member for housing and communities at the council, said: "We are actively working with community, voluntary, faith groups and local people to carry out a successful community asset transfer strategy.

"I'm sure the new Stafford Hall will make a positive difference to the local community and I look forward to seeing it opened."

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