PRINCE Andrew formally opened a new community centre, said to be the beginning of a £1.3bn redevelopment in the east of the borough.

The Duke of York was at the Hanlon Centre and St Matthew’s Primary School, in Dysons Road, Edmonton, on Monday.

It had been part of St John’s parish until mid-2000 when falling numbers and structural problems forced the church to close.

The building has been split into two sections, with the back being used as a church and the front as a two-storey community centre. Part of the church is also being used as a small, 20 to
30-place primary school, which will extend into the church hall later this year.

The renovation is part of the Meridian Water £1.3billion redevelopment plan, currently going through the early stages of public consultation and expected to regenerate areas along the Lee Valley with new housing and public facilities.

The Hanlon Centre will provide English and music lessons and fitness training for youngsters.

The renovation was made possible by Enfield Council buying St Mary’s Centre, in nearby Craig Park, which was owned by the parish, to use as a community facility. In return, the church promised to use the money to refurbish the St John’s church building and reopen it.

Council leader Doug Taylor said: “This is a fantastic project which has helped save the church from closure, provide first-rate community facilities and help provide much-needed primary school places in Enfield.”

Father Nigel Asbridge, priest missioner at St John’s, added: “Meridian Water offers this community a chance of the jobs, new homes, schools, bus and train routes and access to shops and services we so badly need.”