ELMS Bank College students gave a warm welcome to a group of councillors during a visit to the new Unsworth Centre.

Year 13 and 14 students gave a presentation about the history of the project and a guided tour of the building to Cllr Joan Grimshaw, Cllr Tahir Rafik and Cllr Nathan Boroda.

The new community centre is based in the former Unsworth Library building on Sunny Bank Road in Unsworth and is run by Elms Bank School in partnership with the local community.

College students from Elms Bank will work alongside volunteers to run the building which it is hoped will become an important resource for the community with a book exchange service, coffee shop, crafts, public access computers, children’s area and lots of events and activities.

The Elms Bank team shared plans on re-opening the building to the public and the work which has gone on to prepare the building.

Cllr Tahir Rafiq said: "It was great to visit the Unsworth Centre, it was exactly what I was expecting and envisaged in 2018, and includes the library, computer, and copying facilities, much wanted in the area, whilst at the same time one can enjoy a drink.

"It is a great credit to Elms Bank School and all the team."

Orienne Langley-Sadler, headteacher of Elms Bank, added: “We are so proud of the work done by the students to get the Unsworth Centre ready for re-opening and we are looking forward to welcoming the community into the space once again.”

Currently on display at the Centre is an exhibition called ‘Views of Unsworth and Whitefield’- a display of local history photographs of the area from the digital archive of Bury Libraries and Archive Service. The exhibition features photographs of well-loved local landmarks and venues such as the Unsworth Cricket Club, Old Blackford Bridge and the opening of the M66.

The exhibition is open to the public from 10am – 2pm, Monday to Thursday until Thursday, July 15. Entry to the exhibition is free of charge – donations are welcome and will go toward the running of the project. A selection of bric a brac is available to buy and the coffee shop is offering takeaway drinks and snacks.

Social distancing measures and a one way system will be in place. All visitors will be asked to wear a mask while in the building and to take part in the Covid-19 Test and Trace check in.

The Unsworth Centre will be fully open from Monday, July 19 2021. Opening hours will be Monday to Thursday 10am – 2pm. The book exchange, coffee shop, public access computers and children’s area will be available for use from July 19.

Follow the Facebook page - @Unsworth Centre for updates about the re-opening plans and events.