5 days ago
Land where 'unsafe' Nottingham community centre was demolished to be transformed
Plans are being put together to transform an area in Bulwell where a community centre was demolished months ago after being deemed 'unsafe'. Nottingham City Council confirmed in January 2025 that it would be demolishing the Rise Park Community Centre on Bestwood Park Drive West after an inspection found issues including cracks throughout the site.
Those running the facility, which helped around 400 people every week, have spoken of the stress of moving all the groups into a new site "at a minute's notice". The community groups and activities previously held at Rise Park have now been moved to the Top Valley Community Centre, which itself is now fighting for its future.
Karen Kemp, who was chair of the Rise Park Community Centre, now says plans are underway to transform the empty land that used to house the site. The community leader said: "We're looking at creating a green space, we've got a plan of action and we've got existing funds, but we want to work with the community and ask what they would like to see there.
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"It's not a question of if, but when." A meeting is being held on October 2 at the St Mary's Church on Highbury Road for the community to share ideas on what they want to see on the site.
Councillor Sam Gardiner, one of Bulwell Forest's Labour councillors, previously said a green space or park would be the most sensible option for the land's future. He said: "We will want to hear the views of the residents of Rise Park, but given the small footprint of the site, it is hard to see what else could go there. Perhaps an extension of the green space and the local park would feel about right."
Councillor Corall Jenkins, Nottingham City Council's executive member for communities, waste and equalities, previously said: "The association which uses the building had reported the appearance of cracks in the structure so a thorough inspection was carried out by specialist contractors. The inspection found the building was unsafe to use so we immediately closed the building for safety reasons while further assessments were carried out.
"This work has found that repairing the building would not be a viable option so unfortunately a decision has had to be made to demolish the building. We understand the disappointment there will be in the local community about this news but people's safety has to be our top priority.
"Most community groups which regularly use the centre have relocated to alternative venues and we would like to thank the centre management for facilitating that. We will continue to provide support where needed."
