Teddington's brand-new community hub has officially opened today (Tuesday, 24 February), replacing the former Elleray Hall, improving facilities and providing the foundation to further strengthen the local community.

 Community organisations, councillors, the Mayor of Richmond, and charity trustees today gathered to celebrate the opening of the new Elleray Centre on North Lane – a purpose-built replacement for the much loved but ageing 100-year-old Elleray Hall.

 The new centre provides an energy-efficient, fully accessible environment that will serve as a vibrant space for residents of all ages.

Just a few yards from the former building, it continues the proud legacy of supporting community wellbeing in the heart of Teddington.

Giving a speech at today's opening, Joan Barnett, Chair of Elleray Community Association (ECA), said, "The core purpose of our charity is to alleviate and reduce loneliness and social isolation among older and vulnerable adults living in Teddington and the surrounding areas.

"A focus is on creating a supportive environment where older adults - particularly those who are socially isolated or vulnerable - can feel valued, supported, and connected.

"We do this by running a friendly social club that offers members a warm, welcoming and safe place to meet new friends, enjoy a home cooked lunch and take part in a wide range of classes, activities and entertainment.

"Many of our activities are free or subsidised and all are designed to support physical health, mental well-being, and social connection."

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She continued: "The new Elleray centre will be about far more than just our charity. Even our social club is in full swing, there will still be space available for activities that appeal to a broad cross section of the local community.

"Our vision is that the centre will become a place for everyone - a place for classes and courses, music and performance, talks and meetings, children's parties and special events."

As part of her speech, Barnett also read out two responses from its recent members questionnaire, both of which praised the new centre highly.

Barnett is now restoring her role as ECA's Chair as is passing the barton on to its current Vice Chair of Trustees, Douglas Chisholm.

Douglas Chisholm is taking over Joan Barnett as ECA's Chair of Trustees (Credit Richmond Council)

Councillor Nancy Baldwin, Richmond Council's spokesperson for communities, equalities and the voluntary sector, added: "This is so much more than just a new building; it's an investment in community connection for many in our borough.

 "Elleray Hall was at the heart of the Teddington community for decades – and this new centre strengthens that legacy, supporting the many life affirming activities that take place here each and every day."

Following the speeches, the Mayor of Richmond, Cllr Penny Frost, alongside members of the council, trustees of ECA, and local MP, Munira Wilson cut the ribbon to signify the centre's grand opening.

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This was followed by complimentary tea, coffee, and scrumptious nibbles, made by the centre's new café One Guy & O, which is open to everyone, not just members.

There were complimentary nibbles and drinks and the event (Credit: Tilly O'Brien)

Guy & O's Head Chef explained that the company caters for events across the borough and is "super excited" to start catering for the new centre,

 ECA will be based at the new centre and continue to run the lively older people's social club with its popular programme of classes and gatherings – including Pilates, Zumba, quizzes, bowling, singalongs, line dancing and more.

The centre will also offer space for activities and events for the wider community.

 With a divisible main hall, two spacious activity rooms and a series of smaller consultation spaces ideal for one-to-one sessions with counsellors and therapists, the new centre has been purposefully designed for flexibility.

Multiple activities can run at once, meaning that even when the older people's social club is bustling, there is still room for other organisations, instructors, and community groups to make use of the space.

 Additional features include a fully equipped kitchen, coffee bar, inviting lounge area and an outdoor garden terrace. The building is step free, ensuring wheelchair users and those with limited mobility can move around comfortably and independently.

 Cllr Baldwin added: "Today marks a real milestone. We've delivered a high-quality centre that will support even more social engagement, reduce loneliness and isolation, and provide a welcoming home for the many local groups and volunteers who make our community so special."

 Richmond Council has worked closely with both ECA and residents throughout the design process to ensure the centre reflects community needs. 

 Speaking to Nub News about the new centre, Barnett said: "It's been a long time to get the council to build the new centre, and we had to get trustees to help with stuff like new leases etc.. but it's been worth it as the old venue was like a tin hut.

 "But I'm hoping the new centre will continue to help the people of Teddington

"We're a lot more flexible now, so you can have a more than one activity going on at a time.

"And we can now let people hire the venue during the daytime, which we couldn't do before, because it was totally the members' building until sort of about 5pm. "So that's a lot better."

She added that ECA has had a lot of uptakes on hires and had lots of people looking round the new building since it was completed in November, "which has all been positive".

Cllr Gareth Roberts, leader of Richmond Council told Nub News: "Well, it's [the new centre] marvellous. It's an absolutely first-rate facility, and we are delighted to have had a hand in creating it.

"It's been a bumpy road, let's not deny that, but the end result has been great."

Cllr Baldwin added: "I think from a community point of view, it's invaluable. It is right in the centre of Teddington, and it really makes a perfect hub for people to come to, for all kinds of activities, and it's going to be intergenerational, which I think is an important thing to do as well. Yeah."

The councillors explained that the fact that the new centre is now open to holding children's parties is a huge benefit and explained that groups from across the borough are welcome to use the new centre.

For more information about joining Elleray Community Association or hiring a room at the centre, visit the centre's website here or call 020 8977 0549.

To celebrate the new opening, the centre has various events coming up.