Abbeydale Community Association (ACA) was established in 1978 and the centre opened in 1985.  The association is now a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, (CIO) which enables the ACA to conduct its business effectively and efficiently for the benefit of the community.  The centre offers affordable and flexible facilities for hire to a wide range of casual and regular users.

The centre is managed by a Board of Trustees who are all volunteers.  Day to day operations are conducted by a team of staff covering administration, premises and hospitality functions.

ACA Aims and Objectives

To promote the benefit of the people of Abbeydale and neighbouring areas of Gloucester by working with the community, the local authorities and voluntary organisations to:

advance education

provide facilities for social welfare, sport, recreation and leisure

maintain and develop the centre for community benefit

promote other charitable purposes to achieve its objectives

The ACA has no political or religious affiliations.

Recent Timeline

2007

A successful grant application to the Football Foundation enabled the building of a sports changing room facility and floodlit 3G astro pitch.  The centre was renamed,

Abbeydale Sports and Community Centre

2010

Further successful grant applications led to the building of:

The Studio which is now popular with art classes for adults and children

A catering kitchen to support functions at the centre

The Gallery, a meeting and training facility

2011

ACA Enterprises Ltd, a trading company, wholly owned by the ACA was set up to run the bar and other commercial activities.

2013

The ACA won a Big Lottery Community Spaces grant to build a wildlife wetland and recreational space including an improved patio area outside the centre.  This facility was completed in Summer 2013 with the installation of a sculpture trail.

2015

In partnership with Abbeydale Playgroup and an Active Gloucestershire grant award a secure play area was created outside the main hall for use by groups with children.