Stay and play as children centre reopens
Parents, staff and children held a party to celebrate the reopening of the former Hillside Gardens One O’ Clock Club at Hitherfield Children’s Centre.
They flocked to the newly decorated hub to enjoy face-painting, balloons, cake and a chance to meet one another.
The Hitherfield Children’s Centre, in Hillside Gardens, offers Stay and Play sessions for children under five. It has been renovated after an 18-month closure and is now open every weekday morning and during holidays.
It’s run by Hitherfield Primary School and Children’s Centre.Councillor Jane Pickard, cabinet member for families and young people, cut the ribbon to officially open the building.
She said: “I’m sure it will prove as popular as ever with families. Lambeth is committed to supporting these clubs and children’s centres.
“They provide a great resource for parents and stimulation for little ones, helping families during those important early developmental years.”
Phyllis Hayden, children’s centre manager said: “We are delighted that it has now been restored and that we will be delivering services and activities that will reflect the needs of the community.
“It has taken a while for us to get to this stage and we are grateful to the local families and wider community for their understanding, patience and support.
”We would also like to thank the council, Hitherfield School and Governors, the school premises team and the brilliant team of contractors who have combined their knowledge and expertise towards getting the site ready for young families in the community to enjoy once again.”
Streatham Hill ward Councillor Liz Atkins cut a cake specially made for the reopening. She thanked parents who had been active in the Children’s Centre before it closed and who had worked to ensure it reopened.
She said: ‘‘I’m really delighted that the Hitherfield Children’s Centre has reopened. It’s a vital resource for Streatham Hill. I hope that it will continue to provide fun activities for young children for generations to come.’’