Campaign To Save Community Centre Steps Up

The campaign to save Roman Way Community Centre in Market Harborough is being stepped up.

Leicestershire County Council is set to close and sell off the site this autumn and has rejected a request to make a Community Asset Transfer of the building to a group which wants to turn it into an arts and creative hub.

Their vision is to transform the centre into a place for live music and performances, cinema, a bar and cafe and space for use by artists, writers, musicians and to hold exhibitions.

Community Interest Company Arthouse 36 is now applying to get the building registered as an Asset of Community Value, which if successful would help protect the site and pave the way for the group to try and buy it.

It is also calling on the community to support them.

Ray Smyth from Arthouse 36 spoke to HFM:

Ron Counte is also involved with Arthouse 36 and says creating the arts and creative hub would be a great thing for Market Harborough:

If the building was retained, current tenants including Shopmobility would continue to be based there.

The charity faces an uncertain future, as it has been given notice to leave by the end of October and has so far been unable to find any alternative premises in the town centre area.

Co-Ordinator Amanda Ball spoke to HFM:

 

Responding to the refusal to make a make a Community Asset Transfer of the building, a Leicestershire County Council spokesperson said: “The old day centre is extremely under used and expensive to keep open.

“Whilst the organisation has provided a proposal, it doesn’t demonstrate how they could cover the running costs.

“Given the tough financial challenges facing local government, and our responsibility to Council Tax payers, we can’t justify giving away a building with an estimated value of £1.4m for free.

“We’re continuing to work with the existing tenants to support them in finding alternative locations as we fully recognise the important community role which they play.”

More details on Arthouse 36 HERE