LUTON Irish Forum’s brand new building on Hitchin Hill is to be officially opened by Taoisech Enda Kenny next month.
The light and airy eco-friendly three-storey block was built with funding from the Irish government and help from Luton’s Bushwood Partnership.
LIF founder member and chairman Frank Horan, 76, said: “It’s a dream come true, something we would never have anticipated when the original centre opened five years ago.”
The former Vauxhall admin worker added: “We’ve been threatening to build something that reflected the Luton Irish community’s contribution to the town for years.”
Kathleen Connolly House, opened in 1997, seemed like an answer to these aspirations but demand for services soon outstripped capacity and trustees set about fundraising for an extension.
But the economic downturn put paid to the project and the future looked bleak – until father-and-son team John and Steven Boyle of The Bushwood Partnership stepped in.
TBP director John Boyle, 61, said: “We are delighted to have helped LIF realise its much-needed expansion plan.
“This flourishing charity is making a positive contribution to the local community and we would like to pay tribute to its dedicated and caring members.
“The help and support they give to some of the most vulnerable in our society, especially the homeless and disabled, is not well known. But at a time of economic uncertainly and austerity measures, it’s needed more than ever.”
The new building is almost 70 per cent bigger than the previous one and offers facilities on all three floors.
At ground level there’s a large function room and recycled kitchen, donated by Luton Borough Council from its former Jubilee Centre.
The middle floor houses welfare and admin offices and a staff kitchen, while a conference suite named in honour of LIF’s late treasurer, Martin O’Hehir, is situated on top.
According to chief officer Noelette Hanley, it’s already buzzing with all sorts of activities in addition to the welfare, social and cultural services on offer.
She said: “We have our Tuesday and Wednesday morning clubs as well as keep fit classes, Irish dancing, choir and pipe band practices, the Luton Bridge Club and a literary group.
“We’re hoping to offer Spanish lessons in the New Year in addition to genealogy and computer classes.
“And we will also be holding bi-monthly seminars focusing on Irish immigration as part of our St Patrick’s festival programme.”
Public relations officer Tom Scanlon described the building as a fitting tribute to the Irish emigrants who helped shape modern Luton.
Frank Horan said: “We intend to use it for the benefit of the whole community.”
> For more information contact 01582 720447 or visit www.lutonirishforum.org