AN INNOVATIVE community centre for the elderly is to be built in Wardleworth, Rochdale.

The state-of-the-art facility will be based at the former Kashmir Youth Project, Belfield Road and will provide a range of services for older people.

The centre will be known as Unity House and the building work should be completed by April.

Councillor Mohammed Sharif, the council’s cabinet member for regeneration, hopes it will strengthen community ties by encouraging elderly people to share their valuable life experiences and become positive role models for the younger generation.

He said: "Wardleworth is an area undergoing comprehensive regeneration.

"Unity House, along with the health centre currently being built in Belfield Road and the Housing Market Renewal activities nearby will contribute to improving the quality of life for local people."

John Percival, the special projects manager, said that the council hopes to work with the voluntary sector to deliver community services.

He added: "We want to engage with all sections of society in developing services that meet local needs.

"Unity House will make a significant contribution towards the physical, social and economic regeneration of the area."

The project will operate on a not-for-profit basis and will be run by Rochdale Development Agency, Rochdale Council and the Kashmir Youth Project.

Ismail Fulat, the chief executive of the Kashmir Youth Project, added: "This is a truly remarkable day in our history after 29 years of hard work.

"This is just the beginning and we intend to build on our strengths and evolve to meet the needs of the community. Many partners came together to help make this centre a reality and we thank them all."