Islington North MP Jeremy Corbyn on ribbon-cutting duty at the Highbury Roundhouse Community Centre

LIKE a phoenix from the flames, a popular community centre that was once doomed to demolition has been reborn.

On Saturday the Highbury Roundhouse threw open its doors to its community.

The original roundhouse – founded in 1974 by the late Major Bay Hodgson – was condemned in 2010 and pulled to the ground three years later.

But it was all smiles again at the weekend as locals flocked to see the purpose-built centre in all its shiny new glory.

Islington North MP Jeremy Corbyn, who cut the ribbon, said: “Against all the odds, we fought and won to get this centre reopened. I want to pay a huge tribute to everyone at Highbury Roundhouse, and all the trustees past and present for their eternal vision of a centre built for the community.”

Andrew Berthier, director of the Roundhouse, called it “a very proud day” and said he looked forward to making the centre “the heart of the Highbury community once again”.

More than £3.5million was raised by donors including the National Lottery and Islington Council and £100,000 was donated by people living in the neighbourhood.

Services offered there will include a childminder group; soft play sessions; after-school clubs for children; social clubs for the elderly; a dance studio and an IT suite. A nursery will open in September.