New Community space Centre Stage

Now known as Centre Stage, the building has been freshened up and a number of new classes for young and old have already started up.

Tai chi veteran Gwyneth Ludkin began teaching beginners on Thursday mornings and gently eased them into the slow rhythmic movements of this ancient martial art.

Centre Stage owner Debbie Hayes is thrilled to see the building being used and enjoyed by different groups.

She has been in London Road for 18 years having started off with a small hairdressing salon. She has built up Deb'n'hair and set her heart on having the historic building next door if ever it became available.

She finally bought the Salvation Army building when it went to auction in May and since then has been working to turn her dream into reality.

She said: "A business is a bit like a garden - you plant little acorns and great oak trees grow. It is like propagating - you have to keep putting back in.

"We have done fantastically well, I think, to do so much to the building in such a short period of time. I am just so happy it is being used for so many wonderful things, such as tai chi, yoga and pilates.

What is important to me is we have given it back to the community.

"I am just so passionate about it being used...for years it was never used, and they had a very small congregation. I have been in the road for 18 years and never once did I see lights on in the hall. Seeing people enjoying it is what gives me pleasure."