Community resources, Gloucestershire Resource Centre and City Works, Gloucester

In less than a decade the Gloucestershire Resource Centre has turned a derelict military clothing factory into today's City Works - a thriving community, art, education and business resource for the whole of Gloucestershire. Here local people can drop children off at the out of school club, study for an NVQ in fitness training with the group GymNation - or attend a workshop on creative play. Educational and community groups can hire a dance studio, office or workshop space, network, fill a supermarket trolley with 'junk sculpture' materials or buy affordable art materials from the shop.

The Gloucestershire Resource Centre owns and runs its services from City Works

City Works is a multi-purpose community resource that connects community, education and arts projects all on one site - with the added ingredients of supporting local enterprise, emphasising equality of access and a commitment to the environment. The trademark atmosphere created is a combination of fun, challenge and mutual respect.

The Gloucestershire Resource Centre has built lasting relationships with schools, (including all the counties special education schools), play groups, librarians, community groups, private sector companies, environmentalists, professional artists and many others across the county and beyond. It provides re-used and low cost materials, equipment hire, training, office space, venues and support to a wide range of groups and individuals. Above all it has turned City Works into a hub for community activity, a place where a lot of things are happening and people can learn from each other and network easily.