Milton Parish Centre has been given a major facelift after contractors working with Stoke-on-Trent City Council donated labour, time and materials to improve the community building.

Novus Property Solutions carried out the refurbishment through the council’s corporate social responsibility programme. The work included demolishing outdated toilet facilities and installing new ladies’, gentlemen’s and accessible toilets.

New flooring was also laid and parts of the centre were redecorated. The completed improvements were shown to residents at an open morning earlier this month, attended by local ward councillors.

A well-used community building

Milton Parish Centre is attached to St Philip and St James Church and has served the area since it was built in 1975. It hosts community groups and volunteer-led activities and is also available for private bookings and family events.

The refurbishment forms part of a wider programme intended to improve the building and help it continue serving local residents.

Under Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s social-value arrangements, contractors are asked to support local communities by contributing labour, expertise or materials alongside their contracted work.

Contractor and councillor welcome improvements

Shaun Clewes, operations manager at Novus Property Solutions, said the company wanted its work to have a positive impact beyond its main projects.

“Milton Parish Centre is a valued community hub, and we are pleased to have been able to support improvements that will make a lasting difference for the people who use it.”

Councillor Duncan Walker, Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s cabinet member for safe and resilient communities and housing and a ward councillor for the area, also welcomed the work.

“The parish centre plays an important role in Milton, bringing people together and providing a home for a wide range of local groups and activities. These improvements will help ensure it remains a welcoming and accessible space for years to come.”

The council says the project is one example of how its contractors can deliver additional benefits for neighbourhoods while carrying out public-sector work.

This report is based on information supplied by Stoke-on-Trent City Council. The header image is illustrative.