The City of Wolverhampton Council-owned centre on Hill Road, Portobello, has been vacant since the previous community association left in December 2023.
The £400,000 scheme will see essential improvements carried out to the vacant building, including roofing, electrical and accessibility works, helping to create a safe, operational and welcoming facility for future community use.
The community centre has been identified as one of the first priority projects to be delivered through the Pride in Place Programme after residents highlighted the importance of investing in community spaces and facilities during consultation on Bilston's long-term regeneration plans.
The project is being funded through a combination of £124,000 from the government’s Pride in Place Programme and £276,000 from the council's Corporate Provision and Contingency for Future Programmes budget.
Josie Kelly, Chair of the Bilston Pride in Place Board, said: "Pride in Place is all about investing in the things that matter most to local people, and Portobello Community Centre is a great example of that in action.
"The Board has worked closely with residents to understand their priorities and there has been a clear desire to see investment in the places and spaces that bring communities together.
“Bringing Portobello Community Centre back into use will create opportunities for local groups, activities and services while making a visible difference in the area. We’re delighted to see this important project moving forward."
Councillor Steve Evans, City of Wolverhampton Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Housing and Assets, said: "This investment will breathe new life into an important community building and help secure its future for local people.
"Residents told us they want to see better community facilities and stronger neighbourhoods, and this project is a direct response to that feedback. By tackling the key issues that have left the building vacant, we can create a facility that is ready to support community activity for years to come."
Once completed, the works will enable the building to be marketed for future community use, with any longer-term management arrangements progressing through the council's Community Asset Transfer process.
The investment forms part of the wider Bilston Pride in Place Programme, which is delivering projects shaped by residents to strengthen communities, improve neighbourhoods and support the regeneration of the town.
Councillor Linda Leach, Bilston North ward councillor and member of the Bilston Pride in Place Board, added: "Portobello Community Centre has been an important part of the local community for many years, so it is fantastic to see investment being made to give the building a new future.
"People in the area have consistently told us they want to see community facilities improved and brought back into use, and this project does exactly that. It will help create opportunities for residents of all ages to come together, take part in activities and access support within their own neighbourhood."
