A LONG-AWAITED community centre for the people of Hatfield has opened its doors for the first time.

Hatfield Space, based on the ground floor of Queensway House in the town centre, welcomed almost 100 people for its opening session, as youngsters, teenagers and parents flocked to see the facilities on offer.

It is the second Space community centre in Times Territory, after YMCA Central Herts, which manages the project, opened Space WGC in 2008.

The official opening of the centre took place yesterday (Friday), and already staff and volunteers at the new centre are pleased with the reaction so far.

Hatfield Space lead youth worker Kelly Hockley said: “We are delighted with the response; the after-school session was packed but everyone had something to do: a video web chat with their friends, helping to create decorations for a Space display, a cosy sofa to do homework on or a Buzz quiz tournament between new friends.

“The evening session had a relaxed feel to it and the young people really took to the Space and made themselves at home, respecting their new equipment and getting to know YMCA Space staff and volunteers.

“There was an overall thumbs-up for the newly renovated building and young people were coming up with lots of exciting ideas for what could be done with the basement space, which YMCA Central Herts staff and supporters are currently trying to raise additional funds to renovate.”