The Bluebell Centre, a community facility developed and funded by Springboard Housing Association, part of Genesis Housing Group, was opened in Colchester on Friday by Bob Russell MP.

The much-needed family health resource centre provides a GPs' surgery and subsidised facilities, including premises for the Humpty Dumpty pre-school playgroup.

After a local PFI/Local Improvement Finance Trust arrangement for financing the centre fell through, Springboard Housing Association stepped in to fund the capital costs of the project, which is located close to an existing Springboard estate.

Working with partners, including Colchester Borough Council, North East Essex PCT, St John's and Highwoods Community Association and the local Methodist Church, The Ark, agreement was reached on a long-term operating plan and the centre opened for use in February 2008.

Over 100 guests from the local community, including stakeholders involved in the project, witnessed Humpty Dumpty pupil, Jack List, cut the ribbon (with a little help from Bob Russell MP), to officially open the building before tours of the development began.

Other guests included the Mayor and Mayoress of Colchester, the Chief Executive and Chairman of North East Essex PCT - Dr Paul Zollinger-Read and Professor Sheila Salmon respectively, Barry Holden, Chairman of St John's and Highwoods Community Centre and senior staff from Rose Builders, architects Tooley and Foster and HBW surveyors.

Barry Holden, Chairman of the St John's and Highwoods Community Association said "I welcome the opening of the new Bluebell family resource centre and my special thanks go to Springboard, without whose help the provision of the centre may never have take place. They have opened doors which have enabled the PCT to go ahead with the project which will provide a wonderful resource for the community of Highwoods".

Dr Paul Zollinger-Read, Chief Executive of North East Essex PCT (and a GP) said "This project has resulted in greatly improved facilities for patients and health staff, and is a tangible example of the benefits that successful partnership working can bring to the community that we serve."

Bob Russell MP said "The new centre is a result of an excellent partnership between the local community in Colchester, North East Essex PCT and Genesis Housing Group, and will be an asset for the local community for the long-term. I am delighted to have been involved with the project over the last few years."

Mark Gayfer said "Springboard and Genesis are very happy to have been able to assist the local community in Colchester with this project. With 9,000 homes in the pipeline, Genesis has a large programme for developing new homes and is increasingly involved in the provision of community facilities too. The Bluebell Centre is an excellent example of this. I would like to thank all the partners involved in the project for their contribution to this successful outcome."

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For further information or images, please contact Diana Evans

on 020 8150 4178, or email diana.evans@ghg.org.uk

Notes to Editors

Genesis Housing Group provides homes and services to tens of thousands of people across London and the south east of England. The Group consists of PCHA, Pathmeads and Springboard housing associations. It also has in its group a charitable foundation, Genesis Community. It is one of the largest and most successful housing groups in the UK, owning and/or managing more than 40,000 homes. Its overriding aim is to put customers first and provide excellent service to all.

Springboard joined Genesis Housing Group in April 2005. It currently supports more than 5,000 households in 24 local authority areas across London, Essex and Hertfordshire. In addition to general needs housing, shared ownership and leasehold properties, Springboard specialises in supported housing for the elderly and people with special needs.

North East EssexPrimary Care Trust (PCT) was established on 1 October 2006 and covers the areas previously served by Colchester and Tendring PCTs. It holds the NHS budget for the 315,000 population of North East Essex which the PCT uses to make sure that high quality health services are available for residents and to improve their health and well-being.