Opening party success

Over 300 attended our opening party on Thursday 31 May, where Jake Quickenden made a special guest appearance.

The free event offered people the chance to get meet Jake, take a look around The Arc, sample cakes and drinks from the Arcafé and chat to staff about the facilities and planned events.

Jake, who won ITV’s Dancing on Ice earlier this year and has appeared on The X Factor and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, had a tour round the building, spoke to the crowd and took hundreds of selfies throughout the afternoon.

He said: “It’s great to be home! I love being from Scunny, it’s a great place and it’s full of people who work really hard.

“I used to hang about round here and I think Scunthorpe’s needed something like this for a long time, so I hope it’ll make a real difference.”

Fran Rhodes, Estate Coordinator at Ongo, said: “It was amazing to see such a great turnout at our event. The Arc really is a place for the whole community, and this event showed how well it has been received by local people.

“It was great to welcome Jake to The Arc, and brilliant to see so many people turning out to meet him for a photo. We’re all really proud of The Arc and it’s fantastic to see so many local people enjoying all it has to offer.”

Amy O’Shea, who attended the event, said: “It’s been a fantastic event for the whole community, and the turnout has been amazing.

“It’s so good to know that Jake is supporting the place he’s from and hasn’t forgotten his roots.”

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “The Arc opening party is a great way to show local residents what’s there and how the new community venue can benefit them. This is a joint investment between Ongo Homes, the council and Humber LEP. Along with the new shops and homes, we are helping improve people’s quality of life. The Arc is a fantastic venue that will cater for a whole range of needs all under one roof, making it easier for residents to access.”