Aster Group celebrates reopening of transformed Enham Hub

Local housing association Aster Group officially reopened its newly transformed Enham Hub at the end of the month. The modern community hub creates a central space for services, support and activities that further local charity Enham Trust's mission and supports disabled people to live, work and enjoy life. 

The former Resource Centre at Enham Trust has been completely refurbished as part of Aster Group's commitment to providing inclusive, accessible spaces that meet the needs of the village and workforce. Bringing together customer, community and colleague facilities under one roof, the Hub has been designed to support connection and opportunity at the heart of Enham Alamein. It also now brings together Aster's Andover and Enham colleague teams in a single location. 

Improvements to the building include enhanced facilities for Enham Trust's Choices programme, which provides activities and day services for disabled people. It also features welcoming shared spaces, including a café, and modern workspaces for colleagues delivering services across the community. The Hub Café is open to everyone, including children and dogs, serving breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks from 8am to 3pm, Monday to Friday. 

Every aspect of the Hub has been designed with accessibility in mind, creating an environment where disabled people can participate, socialise and develop skills with confidence. 

Rachel Credidio, Chief Innovation Officer and Enham Trust Lead at Aster Group, said: 

"The reopening of our new Enham Hub marks an exciting new chapter for everyone who spends time here. We wanted to create a space that is welcoming, inclusive and accessible to all – somewhere customers can meet, take part in activities and feel connected, and where colleagues can work alongside the community they serve. 

"Enham has a remarkable history and heritage, and we are proud to be investing in its future. This Hub is more than a building; it's creating opportunities for people to come together, strengthening relationships and ensuring Enham continues to be a place where disabled people can live their best lives." 

The project also supports Aster's long-term commitment to sustainability. Energy-efficient technologies, such as solar panels, have been incorporated into the building to help reduce running costs and environmental impact, while creating a facility that is fit for the future. 

Kevin Hodder, Director of Partnerships and Estate, said: 

"This project has given us an opportunity to create a building that reflects our values and has both people and sustainability at its heart. The result is a wonderful space that not only supports the people who use it today but helps secure a more sustainable future for Enham for years to come." 

Guests from across the organisation, local community and partner network joined the celebrations in July, including an official opening ceremony led by the Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire. The occasion was marked with a ribbon-cutting and plaque unveiling, while the Mayor of Test Valley and Councillor Phil North planted a commemorative tree to recognise the Hub's role in supporting future generations. 

The Worshipful Mayor of Test Valley (Councillor Linda Lashbrook) was “honoured to be asked to plant the celebration tree” and “delighted to share the opening of the wonderfully refurbished Enham Hub – a great updated resource for residents and staff to access.” 

Following the ceremony, visitors took part in guided tours of the transformed Hub, giving them the opportunity to explore the space, hear more about how it will be used and see first-hand the results of the redevelopment project. 

The celebrations concluded in the Hub café, where guests spent time networking, sharing memories of the former building and discussing the opportunities the redevelopment will create. 

Test Valley Borough Councillor, Phil North, said: 

“The new Enham Hub is a fantastic facility for the Trust, Aster Communities, and the wider village, and goes to show the level of investment being made in Enham Alamein at the moment. 

“Next step, an upgrade to Landale Wilson Hall – and the Council stands ready to help Aster and the Trust realise our joint ambition to completely refurbish it.” 

Alongside the Hub reopening, Aster Group continues to seek permission to transform the lower ground floor into a range of small business units, offices and meeting spaces. By attracting more businesses to the village, the plans would help build a thriving, sustainable community and support Enham's long-term future.