Two new children's centres coming to Gipton

9.24.00pm GMT Wed 19th Dec 2007

Council chiefs have given the thumbs-up to plans to build two new children's centres in Gipton, East Leeds.

Costing a combined fee of £1.7m, the centres will be located in both north and south Gipton, at Oakwood and Wykebeck Primary Schools respectively.

Each children's centre will provide 50 childcare places as well as a number of family support services, including parenting, health, social care and access to job and training opportunities.

Both centres will also have a "magic garden" on site that will provide local children with an opportunity to learn in a unique sensory environment.

Local councillor Alan Taylor has welcomed the news.

Councillor the Reverend Alan Taylor (Lib Dem, Gipton & Harehills) said:

"This is a real boost for Gipton. At this time of year when our minds are focused on children this is one of the best Christmas presents that the young people of Gipton could have received. I'm sure parents with young children will be particularly impressed with the range on offer at both children's centres.

"Bringing up a child is a tough job for anyone but when you couple that with a lack of facilities the task can be truly overwhelming. A dearth of decent children's centres has been a major problem here in Gipton for far too long.

"I'm delighted that the council has recognised this problem and acted to put it right. I look forward to work starting in March and the centres opening in the summer of 2008."