A RUNDOWN building in Halliwell has been transformed into a major community venue following a £25,000 facelift.

Bolton City Challenge Community Fund provided the £25,000 grant to help refurbish the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) community building in Thomas Holden Street.

The impressive centre was officially opened yesterday by VHP chairman Champak Mistry, vice-chairman Nanubhai Shah and Bolton City Challenge community director Pam Humphreys.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad, which raised £100,000 for further improvements, has been based at the building since 1971.

Following the refurbishment, the building boasts a main hall with stage and seating for 250 people as well as four smaller rooms that can be used for meetings, workshops or courses. There are also dining and kitchen facilities that community groups are invited to use.

The new-look hall is managed by a steering group which includes representatives from VHP, Bolton City Challenge and Bolton Council.

Pam said: "This community fund has supported a number of building renovation projects in the area and this is now a marvellous facility available for the people of Halliwell and Bolton to use and enjoy."

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