Baroness Armstrong visits popular Scotlands community centre for new neighbourhood commission

Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top visited the Big Venture Centre in Fallings Park alongside Sureena Brackenridge MP and Councillor Chris Burden as part of a new initiative to understand the challenges facing estates across the country.

Sureena Brackenridge MP and Cllr Chris Burden join Baroness Armstrong at the Big Venture Centre

Baroness Armstrong is chairing the newly formed Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods (ICON), which was launched in September 2024. The mission is to review the current state of neighbourhoods across England.

The Cross Party group of experts visited Wolverhampton to discuss the role of communities in transforming neighbourhoods.

The Big Venture Centre hosted the visit on 10 January for the commission to speak to the team of volunteers, the Pink Ladies, the Community Chefs initiative, and the staff to discuss the role the centre has played in transforming lives in Fallings Park and the Scotlands.

Sureena joins the Pink Ladies and Volunteers from the centre.

Sureena Brackenridge MP said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Baroness Armstrong for her visit to Wolverhampton North East and her vital work with ICON. I hope that the Commission can see the fantastic work done by the amazing staff and volunteers at the Big Venture Centre in Fallings Park and understand the value that it provides to the local community.”

Community Chefs cook up a storm for the Baroness

“The Commission is seeking to make real, valuable changes to people’s lives, and understand the role of community and neighbourhoods in building better places to live, and helping people to reach their maximum potential.”

Councillor Chris Burden added: “The Big Venture Centre on the Scotlands does invaluable community work and is a shining beacon of community in our Ward. From the Community Chefs to the volunteer team in the Community Shop, there’s always a friendly face.”

“I’m sure that the team here will have a lot of value to add to Baroness Armstrong’s research, and we would always like to welcome them back to Fallings Park.”

Baroness Hillary Armstrong was appointed to the House of Lords in 2010, after she stood down from the North West Durham seat in the House of Commons in the same year. During her Parliamentary Career, she held numerous roles, including as Minister of State for Housing and Planning and Minister of State for Local Government.