THE Kings Arms Community Hub in the heart of Wellington town centre is already establishing itself as a key facility, members of Wellington Town Council’s community committee heard on Monday (September 15).

Falcon Rural Housing Association began work turning the hub – based at the former Kings Arms pub in the High Street, which had stood empty for seven years – into a community hub on the ground floor and social rented flats on the upper floors.

Falcon had been working closely with the town council on a partnership agreement for the facility to become a multi-use community space on the ground floor used by various groups and agencies.

Councillors were told that the hard work is already paying off and the hub does not even have its official opening until September 30.

Cllr Andrew Govier, who has been an interim chairman of the council’s community committee, said: “When I’ve been in there I’ve seen the full spectrum of our society from new-born babies and their mums to people at the other end of the scale and those with dementia issues. It really is meeting the needs of the community.”

The council’s community connect champion, Peter Joint, has been thrilled at how well the Kings Arms project has taken-off so quickly.

“The Kings Arms has only been going for eight weeks and it is already very busy,” he told councillors.

Among those providing services initially include Reminiscence Learning, Bold and Brave Café, Young Somerset, health visitors, baby and toddler groups, police beat surgeries, housing surgeries, the Best Before Food Store and an employment hub.

“This is an ever-increasing list,” added the report.

Councillors supported plans to host four engagement events at the Kings Arms to promote the hub further to people.

They agreed to make £950 available for the events which will be centred around the independent markets, Christmas lights switch-on and an open day in February next year.

Mr Joint said he was delighted that the first youth drop-in session held at the King Arms welcomed 35 young people.

“The session successfully engaged our target group including many vulnerable and additional needs young people,” he said in a report. “This generated positive feedback from the attendees and their parents and carers.”

The young people have already suggested a long list of possible ideas which could be implemented at the Kings Arms for the future to make it a real go-to place for them. Ideas include sports events, disco and party nights, film and game nights and Hot Chocolate Evenings.

Mr Joint said: “This first session has demonstrated a strong appetite for a safe, youth-led space in Wellington.

“The Kings Arms venue provided a welcoming and inclusive environment. Engagement from the young people has been outstanding and their ideas will help shape future sessions and programme planning.”

Mr Joint said he was currently putting together a detailed report about the Kings Arms project which will be submitted to the Somerset Association of Local Councils by the end of the month.