A disused building that has been empty since the Covid pandemic is being transformed into a much-needed community hub, café and food bank with the help of Kent-based building specialists, Trail Group.
Two community groups – Swale Community Care Project and Sittingbourne and Sheppey Helping Ukraine – have come together to take on the building and give it a brand new lease of life and purpose.
Teams from Trail Group’s Electrical, Construction and Fire Protection Divisions are undertaking a full refurbishment of Heather House – donating both their services and the materials needed for this important community project.
Work on the former NHS vaccination centre and Age UK Kent Rivers Centre includes upgrading electrics, new flooring, installation of energy efficient LED lighting, decorating throughout, partition walls, plumbing to upgrade toilet facilities, and the refurbishment of both the industrial and café kitchens.
Commenting on the project, Warren Wright, CEO of Trail Group, said, “We were introduced to this fantastic community initiative by our client MHS Homes. Our teams are already working across multiple social housing projects in the Medway area, undertaking fire protection and damp prevention works. And, as a Kent business, we were keen to help this new community hub become a reality.”
“It is great to see work progressing apace now and we are looking forward to handing over the building later this month.”
“Heather House will make a huge difference to the local community, and we are absolutely delighted to be in a position to lend a hand and to work with such an inspiring group of people.”
Michelle Henneker, CEO of the charity Sittingbourne and Sheppey Helping Ukraine, said, “We are so proud that we will be able to meet the needs of two valuable local charities under one roof. Huge thanks to Trail Group for their generosity and support. Their teams are working tirelessly to help us create a happy and vibrant community hub. We cannot thank them enough.”
“We are in a cost-of-living crisis and there is financial deprivation in many areas of Swale. As a result, residents are often isolated and lack social contact. Creating a facility as simple as a community café, can literally change someone’s life.”
The new hub will have a community café, food bank, food pantry, domestic violence support and other essential facilities. There will also be a function room for events and classes, and children will have the option to eat for free.
