Centre History - 40th Anniversary

Opened on 16 December 1984, Udny Station Community Centre has grown with its community for four decades. To mark our 40th anniversary, this timeline highlights the practical projects—large and small—that have kept the hall welcoming, safe, and fit for the future.

Early Days

These photos are from the opening day in 1984 as well as some photos from outside of the building in the years following.

Upgrades

The Community Centre has evolved over the years and continues to be maintained by volunteers. Here are some changes from the last decade.

Solar Panels – 2010
The centre was upgraded with first Solar Panels being installed to improve the energy efficiency and provide a regular income which has helped hall funds.

Window Replacement – 2013
The windows, originally installed in 1984 when the hall opened, were replaced with PVCu low maintenance units providing a more efficient and welcoming space.

Hall Access – 2014/2015
The centre’s main entrance was transformed with a ramp and new fire door, making it fully accessible for wheelchair users and easier for groups like the playgroup, WRI, and community councils.

Kitchen Upgrade – 2014/2015
The kitchen was fully refurbished with new units, worktops, taps, and better storage—making the space safer and more practical for everyone.

Small Hall & Kitchen Flooring – 2015
Fresh flooring was laid in the small hall and kitchen, improving both appearance and safety. These changes made the spaces more welcoming and easier to maintain for regular users.

Toilets & Store Window Replacement – 2015
Outdated windows in the toilets and store were replaced with low-maintenance PVCu units to modernise the facilities and improve efficiency.

Soffit & Fascia Replacement – 2015
New PVCu soffits and fascias reduced maintenance and refreshed the building’s exterior.

Electrical Upgrades – 2016
Power and heating electrics were modernised, including water heating, panel heaters, and removal of outdated lighting—boosting safety and comfort.

Public Access Defibrillator – 2016
A life-saving public access defibrillator was installed on the outside of the centre, organised and funded by the Allsorts group. This vital addition ensures emergency equipment is available to the whole community.

Repainting & Decoration – 2016/2017
The main and small halls received fresh decoration, brightening the interiors for events and activities.

Window Blinds – 2017
New blinds were fitted to the hall windows, improving light control and adding a smart finish to the rooms.

Wall Heater Replacement – 2017
Older wall heaters were replaced with efficient models, improving comfort and helping to manage running costs.

New Main Doors – 2018
The centre’s main entrance was upgraded with new uPVC doors featuring toughened safety glass. This brightened the vestibule, improved safety, and gave the building a fresh, welcoming look for visitors.

Outdoor Tap – 2018
A new outdoor tap was installed for hall users, making it easier to access water for gardening, cleaning, and outdoor activities.

Notice Board – 2018
A new free-standing, weatherproof notice board was installed on the main street, right by the entrance hedge to the Community Centre. This gave locals a clear, accessible place to see updates and event posters, without the problems of using the bus shelter.

New Fire Alarm System – 2019
A modern fire alarm system was installed to improve safety throughout the centre. This upgrade brought the hall up to current safety standards and gave users extra peace of mind.

Toilet Refurbishment – 2019
The centre’s original 1984 toilets were fully renovated, adding an accessible toilet, baby-changing facilities, better ventilation, modern taps, and non-slip flooring.

Decoration Refresh – 2019
Volunteers helped refresh the building with new paintwork, LED lighting, a sound system, and upgraded electrics—making the centre more welcoming and inclusive for everyone.

Front Wall Re-Rendering – 2024
The front wall of the centre was repaired and re-rendered with new harling, replacing the old crumbling finish. This restored the building’s appearance and protected it from future weather damage.

Energy Efficiency Upgrades – 2024/2025
Facing high electricity costs, the centre took big steps to go greener and save money. Loft insulation was upgraded, 20 new solar panels and a battery system were added, and inefficient heaters were replaced with air-source heat pumps. These changes are expected to cut carbon emissions by 66% while keeping the hall warmer and more comfortable year-round.