The Crofton centre was picked out as a shining example of a community's effort to provide for its people.
And Hilary Norman, from the government's social enterprise unit, visited the centre last Friday to see for herself.
Formerly the Nostell Miners Welfare, the building was transformed as part of a £1.3million project.
But it is only down to the sheer determination of a number of volunteers that the dream was achieved.
Community centre manager Alan Gardner said: "When the mines closed, the miners welfare began to struggle, so there was a survey to see what people wanted. It came back overwhelmingly in support of a community centre, so it was decided that's what people would get."
So in 2001, they began a lengthy process of bidding for grants. And it wasn't until 2004 that the steering group got its first boost.
Eventually all the money was raised to allow the building to be transformed.
Mr Gardner said: "The centre is so well used today. We have a range of sports clubs, yoga, art and computer classes. There really is something for all the community."