Flat is one-stop community shop

A flat at the centre of an Orpington neighbourhood has been re-launched as a community hub to bring drop-in advice and activity sessions under one roof.

Broomleigh, which owns and manages around 800 homes at Ramsden, has refurbished a basement flat at Meon Court to offer a new facility for residents of all ages.

The property will now host surgeries by police, local councillors and health experts as well as providing residents with somewhere to call in and chat to Broomleigh’s own housing team.

In addition the flat will be used for activities such as mothers and toddlers groups while the garden has also been revamped with help from Orpington Town Church youth group, so that it can be enjoyed by local residents.

The refurbishment of the community flat is part of a much wider regeneration scheme at Ramsden, which is seeing new affordable homes built and environmental improvements across the neighbourhood.

Sule Yiacoup, Broomleigh’s project co-ordinator at Ramsden, said: “The flat at Meon Court previously provided a place for residents to call in and meet with our own team.

“Following the refurbishment it has been re-launched to offer a much wider range of services and activities. We are pleased to be working closely with other local agencies to be able to bring an excellent range of advice sessions under one roof.

“It means residents will know exactly where to come if they have any issues or concerns, or if they simply want to get more involved in their community.”

The flat was officially opened by Broomleigh Chief Executive, Neil McCall, and Bromley Mayor, Cllr Pauline Tunnicliffe, on Wednesday (July 18).

For more details of the surgeries and other sessions at the facility, contact 020 8313 3310.