The revitalised facility has been warmly received by its users, with Centre Manager Nandita affirming that “The local community and everybody who comes in to see the new building is really pleased and happy!”
Even though the tender process was extremely competitive, with a 70% weighting towards cost, Olli have been able to bring in the final job on budget, and at a level of quality that has surprised and delighted the building’s users. Lisa Taylor, Community Neighbourhoods Manager, commented, “It looks amazing. I never thought it was going to transform the way it has. The central atrium has been transformed, and and the light that has been given to the centre as a whole is just phenomenal. There’s a maximisation of space, especially compared to the old dusty corners we used to have. Just absolutely phenomenal.”
Prior to the refurbishment, the centre had closed due to inoperative heating and air conditioning systems and overall disrepair. Now, it serves as a dynamic hub for diverse community activities, including children’s karate, after-school clubs, special needs children's holiday club, an elderly Chinese ladies’ group, Tai Chi Sword classes, healthcare worker training, a dominoes club, and private hires for events such as weddings and wakes. More regular community groups are interested in starting activities, so the building has directly fostered a greater sense of community.
Olli Group’s refurbishment introduced several key improvements:
- A large hall with an optional divider, allowing flexible use as one or two spaces.
- A refurbished atrium featuring a new 6m x 6m structural double-glazed dome, replacing the original unsafe structure, with an integrated blind to manage temperatures on those hot sunny days
- A commercial kitchen designed for event catering, cooking classes, and daily user needs.
- Updated meeting rooms with modern heating, cooling, lighting, and flooring for long-term durability.
- Massively improved insulation with huge R-Value improvements and a completely new 'smart' HVAC system custom designed for the space
- Hardwearing flooring throughout, rated for commercial use and heavy footfall
- Brand new roof installed to keep the building protected for many more decades
Olli Group’s skilled execution, working in close partnership with the team at Newham Council has restored the Beckton Community Centre as a vital resource, ready to support the community for years to come.
