A charity that has helped refugees settle to life in Swindon and the UK for decades has celebrated moving to a new permanent home in a community centre that was earmarked for closure. 

Broadgreen Community Centre was lined up to be closed in 2016 before South Swindon Parish Council took over the management of it, then during the pandemic, it was used as a base for Covid testing in the community. 

After that though, there were questions about what the building could be used for going forward. 

At the same time, The Harbour Project, founded in 2000, had found itself outgrowing its St Luke's Church home. 

The two organisations came together to kill two birds with one stone and keep the community asset in use by turning it into the new base for the vital local charity that has helped thousands of refugees and asylum seekers.

The Harbour Project officially opened its new home on Monday, January 9, with representatives from both the voluntary charity and the parish council coming together to cut the ribbon and show people around the new facility. 

Swindon Advertiser: The Harbour Project's Nicky Alberry and South Swindon Parish Council's Janine Howarth cutting the ribbon for the charities new home at Broadgreen Community Centre, SwindonThe Harbour Project's Nicky Alberry and South Swindon Parish Council's Janine Howarth cutting the ribbon for the charities new home at Broadgreen Community Centre, Swindon (Image: South Swindon Parish Council)

Chair of South Swindon Parish Council, Chris Watts, described the partnership as a dream come true for the building

"Broadgreen Community Centre is a vital hub for the community, which is why we took it on from the council. We're very pleased it was used for testing during the pandemic and we're delighted to welcome The Harbour Project now," he said. 

"Broadgreen is an incredibly diverse area and has a community with its own challenges. The Harbour Project is now in place to benefit everyone and we're pleased we have this facility in the heart of the area."

David Rowlands, chair of the Harbour Project, has been with the organisation for 22 years. He explained that this was a big moment for everyone involved.

"We deal with people from all over who are in need, have nothing to their name and get very little help from the system. This new home means we can keep doing that.

"I'm very happy and very proud of it, and it's a tribute to Claire, our CEO, who masterminded it all."

Swindon Advertiser: Staff at the Harbour Project celebrate officially moving into their new home at Broadgreen Community Centre, SwindonStaff at the Harbour Project celebrate officially moving into their new home at Broadgreen Community Centre, Swindon (Image: Newsquest)

Claire Garrett has been CEO of The Harbour Project since 2018. She too spoke of her pride in the move.

"It's been a long time coming. We've spent the last four months getting the building ready. I've been here almost every day. It's almost unbelievable that we're here now in premises befitting of our work, our fantastic staff and the people we help."