Rochdale MP Paul Waugh has welcomed new national investment in Family Hubs alongside a major local redevelopment in Littleborough, with a new flagship hub being created on the site of the former Littleborough Primary School infant block.
The government has confirmed a significant expansion of Best Start Family Hubs and Healthy Babies services across England, backed by over £900 million, bringing together health, education and family support in one place to give every child the best possible start in life.
Families in Rochdale constituency are already supported by a strong network of hubs, including Deeplish, Sandbrook, Howard Street, Heybrook, Littleborough, Belfield, Moorhouse and Newbold Family Hubs.
As part of this wider expansion, Rochdale Borough Council is investing £2.9 million to transform the former infant block at Littleborough Primary School into a new permanent home for Littleborough Family Hub.
Located on the site of the old primary school building on Calderbrook Road, the facility will bring together a wide range of services for families under one roof, including early years childcare, health appointments, parenting support and a dedicated youth zone.
The refurbished building will also include consultation rooms for midwives and health visitors, a sensory room, accessible facilities and spaces for activities such as cooking, sports and creative sessions. The development replaces services previously delivered at the former children’s centre and temporary provision at the nearby leisure centre.
Paul Waugh MP said:
“This is a really positive step for families in Littleborough and across Rochdale.
“Family Hubs are about making life simpler for parents by bringing support together in one place, and doing it in trusted local settings. Transforming the old primary school site into a modern, purpose-built hub is exactly the kind of investment we need.
“Too many families have felt they’ve had to navigate a confusing system on their own. These hubs will provide clear, joined-up support from pregnancy through the early years and beyond.
“It’s also great to see facilities for young people included, creating a space where they can feel safe, socialise and develop new skills alongside the support available for families.”
Alongside the hubs, the Healthy Babies programme will strengthen support in the crucial early years, including help with infant feeding, perinatal mental health and parent-infant relationships.
The reforms are part of a wider shift towards prevention and neighbourhood-based services, ensuring families can access joined-up support closer to home.
Paul Waugh MP added:
“Giving every child the best start in life is one of the most important things we can do. With strong local hubs and new investment here in Littleborough, we’re making sure families in Rochdale have the support they need to thrive.”