The Hemmingwell Community Centre in Wellingborough is currently in a run-down condition and is only used on one evening each week.

But it will soon be back on its feet thanks to the expertise of the area's Hope Project community group, which has already helped to convert one run-down local building – the former Swallow pub in Nest Farm Crescent – into a bustling community centre.

Work on the building, which will be begin in January, will see two classrooms created for a wide range of courses, including painting and decorating, IT and nail art.

And there will also be a new entrance with access for disabled people, along with new toilets, a reception and new interior layout.

The centre should open just after Easter.

The timing of the project is important, with the Government recently announcing that the long-term unemployed must be involved in skills training or community volunteering to continue to receive their benefits.

Hope Project founder and pastor of the Hope Church Simon Trundle said: "Currently the building is all shuttered up, it is closed off and it is used very little.

"This is taking a run-down building and bringing life back into it. It is going to be a fantastic community space."

People will be able to drop into the centre to sign up for the courses on offer, and the hall facility will be open to hobby groups and clubs.

The courses were chosen using the results of several surveys on the Hemmingwell estate, which asked residents what sort of courses they would like to see offered.

Other education agencies such as Tresham Institute will be brought into the project, and the aim is to build ties with local businesses so work placement positions can be offered as part of the courses.

Funding has largely come from Northamptonshire Enterprise Ltd as well Wellingborough Council, which owns the building, and the Learning and Skills Council.

Cathy Mulholland, of the Hemmingwell Residents' Association, said: "It will have a big impact on the estate.

"The courses they are going to do will help young people get a trade, and I think they will be well attended. Everyone on the estate appreciates what Simon Trundle and the Hope Project have done so far, they have really stuck with it."