BLACKHEATH’S newly revamped Age Exchange has opened after an £870,000 make-over.

The two-storey building Number Eleven – which is opposite Blackheath Station - boasts a cafe, library, computer suite, patio garden, box office, stalls and studio.

Mayor of Lewisham Sir Steve Bullock formally opened the new space on November 22 after Age Exchange closed its Reminiscence Centre in December last year.

Age Exchange's chairman Ian Mills said: "Age Exchange Number Eleven is finally here!

"It's great to see that all the hard work by so many people has created this fantastic new centre for the people of Lewisham and Greenwich. Our aim is to make this a valued resource for the whole community."

The community centre will run a full programme of events for all ages and people can gain access to free internet.

At the opening, Sir Steve Bullock, said: “At a time when public services are under acute financial pressure it is important to look for innovative solutions that can bring public services, local organisations and communities together.

“This centre is an excellent example of how that can be achieved and I am sure it will serve as an inspiration to others to do the same.

“This new facility will bring together people of all ages – from pre-school children attending reading groups, to teenagers attracted by free access to the internet, adults using the library, attending a range of cultural activities and enjoying the café, to older residents who welcome the opportunity to meet others as part of the reminiscence activities.”

Number Eleven will be open weekdays from 8am to 6pm and 10am to 6pm on Saturday.