dedicated community centre.

The Sandys Community Centre at Springfield -- across from the MarketPlace -- finally opened on Thursday after a long search by Government and community activists.

More than $1 million was spent in completely renovating the building which was built in the 1720s.

The Works and Engineering and Youth and Sport Ministers, Alex Scott and Dennis Lister, comunity worker Veronica Ross, and youth leader Chickaya Darrell all cut a ceremonial ribbon to the new facility.

The SCC has day-care facilities for young people, counselling rooms, a senior citizens' room, games rooms, library, aerobics and dance studio, and a basketball/volleyball court will be built.

"This is not just for young people, it is for the entire community,'' Mr.

Lister, a Sandys North MP, said. "It's your centre. It is for you to enjoy.'' Mr. Scott thanked W&E staff for their work in getting the facility in operation and congratulated other Government staff including Parks staff.

"I'm not exaggerating when I say the workmen are artisans and total professionals,'' Mr. Scott added. "It's modernised but it still has the charm of an old Bermuda home.'' Henry Ming, the new president of the Bermuda National Trust which owns the building, said Springfield is now a "living museum''.

"The work conducted here shows that it will last and was built for the 21st Century,'' Mr. Ming added. "It is now a new facility and is dedicated to the entire Island.'' Sandys Youth Community Club director Gerald Fubler made a brief appearance at the ceremony yesterday.

His successful club disbanded in March after Government evicted it from a building at Daniels Head.

Mr. Fubler and many of his 345 charges had protested the Springfield facility as being too small.