Latest news with #TomGibson
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Councillors praise value of Castle Point community leisure centres after visit
Councillors have praised the value of community leisure centres in Castle Point following a recent visit. Castle Point councillors Tom Gibson and Rob Lillis toured Runnymede and Waterside Leisure Centres on Tuesday, June 17, alongside Shane Williams, assistant director for recreation. They explored the facilities, discussed future plans, and saw how the centres are supporting residents' health and wellbeing. Rob Lillis, councillor responsible for health, wellbeing and housing, said: "It was fantastic to see so many young people making the most of our leisure centres. "At a time when childhood obesity is on the rise, it's more important than ever to provide accessible, active spaces for all." Tom Gibson, councillor responsible for special projects and assets, said the centres play a key role in the community. He said: "We're proud of the work being done and excited about what's to come. "These centres are vital to the health and happiness of our residents."


Scottish Sun
20-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
‘Old and ugly' shopping centre loved in the 80s set to get major £2million revamp
Read on to find what changes will be made to the mall NEW SLATE 'Old and ugly' shopping centre loved in the 80s set to get major £2million revamp Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A DETERIORATING shopping centre which was once popular in the 80s will finally get a major revamp. A local council is expected to splurge £2million to revive the mall to its former glory. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 A shopping centre that opened in 1979 has been called 'old and ugly' by locals Credit: Castle Point Council/Ingleton Wood 2 It is set to receive £2million worth refurbishment Credit: Castle Point Council/Ingleton Wood The Knightswick Shopping Centre on Canvey Island was built in 1978, and has since lost its charm. Castle Point Council bought the mall in October 2019 and has now made plans to spend £2,154,600 to refurbish the place. During a cabinet meeting on June 18, Tom Gibson, People's Independent Party councillor for special projects and assets, said: 'This is, of course, a good news story, and the investment in and revitalisation of a valued and economically important commercial asset should be welcomed. "To conclude, this is a fantastic opportunity to breathe new life into a highly valued commercial asset and the heart of our community.' The shopping centre boasts 28 ground-floor shop units inside and around the mall. The original plans, which were approved, called for new lighting, pilasters, ceiling treatments, and floor finishes. The council will also be replacing high-level windows, mall fixtures, fittings and furniture, as well as branding, signage and installing CCTV. The centre's three entry doors will all be completely replaced too. The planning permission for the revamp was granted in December 2023 but the works won't start until February next year. Residents can expect to see an improved mall by June 2026. Fly-through video shows what major Scots city will look like after huge £20m revamp David Blackwell, Canvey Independent leader of the council, said: 'It's been a long journey on this, so it will be good now we can see the works going. "I think really, looking at some of the photos from the architects I think the Knightswick Centre will look absolutely superb when the works are finished next year, so we all look forward to that.' Locals have long been calling for the refurbishment, saying the mall was "very rundown" and "old, ugly and boring". Some people only used it as a shortcut path to the nearest Sainbury's. It comes after a shabby shopping centre in an industrial UK town is set to receive a multi-million-pound revamp. Property developers purchased the town's central shopping centre from former owners late last year, with major plans to transform it.


The Sun
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
‘Old and ugly' shopping centre loved in the 80s set to get major £2million revamp
A DETERIORATING shopping centre which was once popular in the 80s will finally get a major revamp. A local council is expected to splurge £2million to revive the mall to its former glory. 2 The Knightswick Shopping Centre on Canvey Island was built in 1978, and has since lost its charm. Castle Point Council bought the mall in October 2019 and has now made plans to spend £2,154,600 to refurbish the place. During a cabinet meeting on June 18, Tom Gibson, People's Independent Party councillor for special projects and assets, said: 'This is, of course, a good news story, and the investment in and revitalisation of a valued and economically important commercial asset should be welcomed. "To conclude, this is a fantastic opportunity to breathe new life into a highly valued commercial asset and the heart of our community.' The shopping centre boasts 28 ground-floor shop units inside and around the mall. The original plans, which were approved, called for new lighting, pilasters, ceiling treatments, and floor finishes. The council will also be replacing high-level windows, mall fixtures, fittings and furniture, as well as branding, signage and installing CCTV. The centre's three entry doors will all be completely replaced too. The planning permission for the revamp was granted in December 2023 but the works won't start until February next year. Residents can expect to see an improved mall by June 2026. Fly-through video shows what major Scots city will look like after huge £20m revamp David Blackwell, Canvey Independent leader of the council, said: 'It's been a long journey on this, so it will be good now we can see the works going. "I think really, looking at some of the photos from the architects I think the Knightswick Centre will look absolutely superb when the works are finished next year, so we all look forward to that.' Locals have long been calling for the refurbishment, saying the mall was "very rundown" and "old, ugly and boring". Some people only used it as a shortcut path to the nearest Sainbury's. It comes after a shabby shopping centre in an industrial UK town is set to receive a multi-million-pound revamp. Property developers purchased the town's central shopping centre from former owners late last year, with major plans to transform it.