A NEW activity centre in Basingstoke is bursting with creative energy, activities and classes on the site of a former school.

There were bouncy castles, entertainment and tours at the official opening of the Spotlight Centre in the former Chineham Park Primary School premises, in Shakespeare Road, Popley.

The site was handed over to local charity Peace of Mind Care by Hampshire County Council after the school closed down at the end of last term.

The council decided poor pupil performance and falling numbers were reasons to close the school, but promised the building would remain for educational use.

Accordingly, Peace of Mind Care staff and volunteers have been working flat out over the summer to transform the school into a brand new hub of activity with specially-designed dance and drama studios, a café and charity shop.

The Spotlight Centre, which launches its autumn timetable on Saturday, offers an extensive range of different classes and activity sessions every day for children from toddlers to 16-year-olds, with most classes costing between £1.50 and £3.

There are also support groups and adult classes – some for free – including numeracy, literacy, drama and a performance choir.

Michaela Riley, from Tadley, set up the Peace of Mind Care charity just over a year ago and has been running classes in Basingstoke and Tadley for over 400 young people.

Speaking at last Saturday’s opening, the 33-year-old said: “It’s amazing. This centre means we have a base and can put on much more activities and hopefully bring in the community of Popley and the whole of Basingstoke and Deane.”

The charity shop and café will help fund the centre, which is on a three-to-five-year lease, and proceeds from these will be split between the centre and a Ugandan children’s charity. Pebbles Children’s Centre, based in the grounds, will continue using a room on the site.

After a tour of the centre, Basingstoke MP Maria Miller said: “I think this is exactly the sort of facility the community needs.

“For a youngster to be able to come here and undertake good quality extra activities is a great opportunity. It really is good to see the old school site being put to such excellent community use.”