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Residents in Peterborough are set to benefit from a new community café, thanks to a community led project by WestRaven Big Local. The café has been supported by local organisations including housing association Cross Keys Homes who are the trusted local organisation that oversee the use of the £1m grant awarded by the Big Lottery fund. 

WestRaven Community Café is part of a major community investment project designed to make improvements in the Ravensthorpe ward.

Following the investment from the Big Lottery Fund, WestRaven Big Local consulted with volunteers and local residents, to decide where the grant would be spent. Working in partnership with local organisations including Cross Keys Homes, WestRaven Big Local aim to deliver lasting improvements that benefit the whole community.

The latest community improvement project is WestRaven Community Café, which recently opened its doors. The café has a strong social responsibility where the community can learn new skills and meet new people. The café also serves affordable food and drinks, as well as a designated youth space with recording equipment, a wheelchair friendly training kitchen, and a community space offering a range of activities and workshops for the whole community.

The grand opening of WestRaven Community Café attracted many local people to celebrate, and included afternoon tea and an Easter egg hunt, as well as activities for children, live music and stalls.

Jean Ayres, 89, a member of the WestRaven Big Local Board, was recognised for her ongoing support to the local area, and had the privilege of declaring the café officially open alongside chair of the WestRaven Big Local Board, Cath Robertson.  

As part of the community investment project, a community garden is also being developed behind the grounds of the café, which will provide the café with locally grown and sustainable foods, eventually forming a ‘pot to plate’ ethos. 

The café will be open from Monday to Friday 8am – 4pm, serving a range of fresh affordable meals and cakes. For more information, contact Jennifer.Orrell@pect.org.uk.