The John Peel Centre Has Done it Again!

The John Peel Centre for the Creative Arts has been awarded £500,000 from Biffaward, a fund which uses landfill tax credits donated by Biffa Waste Services. This money is put towards community and environmental projects and the John Peel Centre has managed to secure a contribution, which will go towards the next big phase of development.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  This time last year the John Peel Centre won the bid for the £50,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund (BFL). UK community groups were invited to bid for a share the 3.6 million from the BFL and the community spirit of Stowmarket stepped up to support the cause, securing the win. Since then there has been numerous events put on to help raise further funds towards the massive project. There was also a student design exhibition, which was won by Matthew Loosly. 

The John Peel Centre is a huge initiative to help local artists and audiences, providing a massive community resource with plans to refurbish Stowmarkets Corn Exchange. The location is ideal as it is in the very heart of town surrounded by amenities including cafes, shops and local transport. The aim of The John Peel centre is to provide activities for all ages in the community, from music to art and other productive activities. This will be a great resource for eduction, socialising and community access. 

In may 2012 work will begin on the cafe, stage and lighting, which we are all very excited about. 

Named after John Peel, the famous presenter local to the area before his death in 2004, the centre has receieved great support from the Stowmarket community and many fundraising events have taken place and need to continue to ensure the work is finished. The sooner this work is done, the sooner everyone can benefit from the wonderful cause.