A LUXURY paint firm based in Cowley Road has been drafted in to transform East Oxford Community Centre.

Annie Sloan Interiors, rumoured to have sold pink paint to Kate Middleton, plans to bring a splash of colour to 25 public spaces around the world for its 25th birthday.

First on the list is The Lounge venue inside East Oxford Community Centre, which is used for parties, community events and band rehearsals Australian-born company founder Annie Sloan said: “I’ve lived in East Oxford for over 15 years and had a shop on the Cowley Road since 2010.

“I’ve always loved the East Oxford Community Centre. I’ve been going there for dance workshops and life drawing classes, as well as and hosting my own paint workshops.

“I have always been intrigued by the wide number of activities held there. Now I’m thrilled to be a part of breathing new life and beautiful colour into the space.”

Our top stories

Volunteers are being sought to help with the centre’s makeover, which will take place on Wednesday, January 13, and Thursday, January 14.

Later this month training sessions will also be run at the Princes Road venue teaching people how to reupholster chairs, make cushions and curtains, and dye fabric.

Mrs Sloan is best-known for developing “Chalk Paint”, her own brand of decorative paint, in 1990 and has since published 25 books.

Annie Sloan’s spokeswoman Lizzy Brown said: “This is part of our 25th anniversary celebration; we will work with 25 different community spaces around the world and wanted to start with Oxford because it’s very close to Annie’s heart. This is our flagship launch.”

She also confirmed that the company’s decision to redecorate the community centre was “unrelated” to the fact that Oxford City Council has recently invested £15,000 refurbishing the building. The council took on the running of the centre in September.

Councillor Christine Simm, city council executive board member for culture and communities, said: “I am utterly thrilled that Annie Sloan, her team and East Oxford residents will help us redecorate East Oxford Community Centre.

“I cannot wait to see The Lounge transformed. Not only will it become one of the best spaces in Oxford to hold an event but The Catweazle Club, which is already one of the best nights in Oxford, is going to be raised to a new level.”

But Oxford residents and the East Oxford Community Association remain unhappy and will attend a meeting of full council at 7pm today in the Town Hall.

Chaka Artwell, from Barton, will present the council with 1,500 signatures asking for management of the centre to be returned to local people.

Mr Artwell will say: “The Labour party talks about communities and inclusion and consultation. These words are easy to say.