IT has been in the heart of its community for 43 years.

Now after months of hard work Lordshill Community Association in Southampton is on the move.

After more than 40 years in a temporary building in Andromeda Road it is finally getting a permanent home in Cromarty Road.

Hundreds of people helped celebrate its arrival by attending a fun-filled open day, launched by Southampton City Council leader Simon Letts.

Daily Echo: The Paper Trains perform at the opening of the new centre

Saturday’s event included entertainment from Southampton band The Paper Trains, Red Stags Morris and groups including Solent Wheelchair Dance Group, which meets at the community centre.

Daily Echo:

There was also a magician, balloon modelling, a Lego workshop with Southampton Lego Building Club and arts and crafts.

Daily Echo: Youngsters enjoy a treat.

Anna Johnson, from Spectrum Housing, held a crafts table on the day which saw youngsters decorate their own bug house.

She said: “I’m really pleased that the community has welcomed this new centre. It’s always difficult when you move to a new place but so many people have come out to support it and we have already had such good feedback.”

Daily Echo: The new centre

The site has seen a £350,000 refurbishment, adding state-of-the-art facilities including a new oven to support its popular lunch club and plenty of disabled parking.

There are three rooms including a meeting room and two halls which have been decked out with new windows, flooring, doors and a fresh coat of paint and the garden has been landscaped.

Daily Echo: Lin and Mike Holder.

Mike Holder, 70, who has run the association with support of his wife Lin, 68, since 2005, said: “It’s something that we have always been determined to do but it’s never quite come off until now.

“It’s exciting and quite nerve-wracking but I’m sure that with everybody’s support and good will this can be a brilliant venue.”

All of the groups which use the community centre will continue from the new building.

The main car park can be found next to the pool. For more information Call 07847213813 or visit lordshillcommunitycentre.btck.co.uk.