Bid To Turn Community Centre Into ‘Arts Hub’

Market Harborough’s Roman Way Community Centre could be saved from closure if a plan to turn it into an ‘Arts Hub’ is successful.

Leicestershire County Council is being asked to provide the building via a Community Asset Transfer and has pledged to consider it.

Those behind the ‘Arthouse36’ idea would form a community interest company if the plan comes to fruition and say the building would provide space for a wide range of activities and events.

They would also work with the newly launched Creative Harborough group, made-up of around 50 individuals and groups involved in the arts.

It was revealed last December the council was to shut the centre later this year and sell it to save money, but the closure date has now been extended.

A continued use of the building would also enable tenants including charity Shopmobility and meals on wheels business ICare to continue to operate from it.

Cllr Simon Galton, Deputy Leader of Harborough District Council, hopes to proposal will be accepted:

Roman Way Community Centre

Harborough MP Neil O’Brien recently hosted a meeting involving tenants of the centre, the council and a representative from Creative Harborough.

He told HFM whatever happens he wants them to be given all the help possible to find alternative accommodation:

Cllr Lee Breckon, cabinet member for resources at Leicestershire Council Council, said: “We’re aware of a potential community interest in the site and we are open to exploring this further with the interested party.

“We listened to all the concerns raised at the recent meeting.

“Unfortunately, as we outlined, given our extremely difficult financial position, we can’t afford to keep the centre running on a long-term basis, but we have agreed to extend the timetable for closure to allow the community interest to be assessed.

“We will work closely with Shopmobility, ICare, and other organisations to support them in finding alternative locations as we fully recognise the important community role which they play.”