Council Rejects Charity’s Bid To Buy Centre

A charity has had its bid to buy the Roman Way Community Centre in Market Harborough rejected.

The Market Harborough and The Bowdens Charity wanted to take-on the facility so it could become a base for over 50 groups and community organisations.

The charity has expressed its disappointment at the decision by Leicestershire County Council, which is selling the site worth an estimated £1.4m.

Chair of Trustees, John Feavyour spoke to HFM:

Roman Way Community Centre was put for sale earlier this year

The charity will now look to see if an alternative premises can be found in the town centre to provide the community hub from.

Roman Way Community Centre is home to Shopmobility, which would have been allowed to remain there had the bid been successful.

The charity has struggled to find a new home since the site was put up for sale and faces closure if an alternative premises cannot be found.

Roman Way Community Centre was put for sale earlier this year

The centre was registered as an ‘Asset of Community Value’ by Harborough District Council after an application for the status was put in by organisation Arthouse 36, which also intended to bid for the site.

It had the vision of wants turning it into a creative and arts hub as was given until February 2025 to raise funds for the bid.

It is understood the Market Harborough and The Bowdens Charity’s bid was one of eight to be received by the council.

A spokesperson for Leicestershire County Council said: “A preferred bidder has been provisionally selected for Roman Way Day Centre.

“However, the final position will only be confirmed after the period of moratorium ends on 6^th February.”