Leeds Rugby Foundation’s new partners Mears Group PLC have today help launch the grand opening of a regenerated Resource Centre in Belle Isle.
The news comes fresh from the announcement that Mears Group are the major new sponsor of the Leeds Rugby Foundation’s flagship plan for Rugby League Development in Leeds.
One of Mears Group’s core practices is the employment of their 400 apprentices and it was those apprentices that have been working on the £25,000 renovation of an old library in the Belle Isle area of Leeds which was unveiled today as ‘BITMO’s Gate Resource Centre’.
GATE was chosen as the new name for the community space as it reflects the purpose of the building; somewhere to "Get Advice, Training and Employment.”
The centre has been fully furnished by Mears Group apprentices, alongside Belle Isle TMO which has seen the run-down library now fitted with high-tech computers and an ideal centre where both children and adults can make steps forward in their life.
The opening of the doors earlier today began with a dance from school children at Windmill Primary School before local MP for Leeds Central, Hilary Benn, officially opened the centre for use. Leeds Rhinos mascot Ronnie the Rhino was also present as was Hunslet Hawks’ Harry Hawk.
Tony Bower, Managing Director of Mears Group commented:
“We at Mears are proud to be associated with this project. Mears are committed to working in the communities and this was a fabulous opportunity to give something back to the local people,” he said.
“The project took a total of 550 hours to complete, but it was all worth it in the end.”
Hilary Benn added: “Jobs and employment are fundamental in life for everyone and this place will give people opportunities to learn and develop.
“I am sure it will be a huge success and congratulations must go to everyone involved in this great project.”
To find out more about how you could become an apprentice for Mears, please visit http://www.mearsgroup.co.uk/.
For more information about upcoming courses and events at BITMO, please email GATE@belleisletmo.co.uk, call 0113 3782190 or text 07981 274 237.