In a remarkable show of community spirit, over 650 residents and organisations in Kings Heath have come together to become co-owners of the local community centre on Heathfield Road, revitalising a cherished local hub that was at risk of closure.
After Birmingham City Council declared the centre surplus amid financial crisis, the community stepped up, raising an impressive £173,000 through a crowdfunder largely supported by small local investments. This funding secured a 25-year lease at no cost, empowering locals to steer the venue’s future with every investor granted an equal vote regardless of their contribution.
Local councillor Lisa Trickett, one of the initiative’s founding members, expressed deep pride in the project. “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done. This effort reflects the rich diversity and passion of Kings Heath. When we unite for a common good, we reveal the true strength of our community and city,” she said.
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The centre, previously running at a £60,000 annual loss, now buzzes with renewed energy. Multiple groups have taken up residence, including ballroom dance clubs, martial arts schools, the Kings Heath local history society, and wellness classes like tai chi and Pilates. The venue also hosts vital community services including playcare schemes, health initiatives, and food banks.
This initiative follows a similar victory when local residents saved York Supplies, a hardware store integral to Kings Heath for 75 years, through a community share scheme that raised £350,000, underscoring the community’s commitment to sustaining local assets.
The cooperative model guarantees that all profits are reinvested into the centre, ensuring its sustainability and growth. Plans are underway to enhance facilities further with solar panels, improved accessibility features including hoist-enabled disabled toilets, an upgraded kitchen, and a refurbished main hall with a new stage.
The project also aims to foster entrepreneurship by creating an incubation space for young businesses, and the centre is becoming a hub for cultural exchange and youth activities. Discussions are ongoing to establish collaborations with local mosques, youth groups, pubs, cafes, and educational institutions like Cadbury College.
Matt Powell, chair of Kings Heath’s Business Improvement District, highlighted the unique mix of cultures and generations that flourish within the centre’s walls, reflecting the vibrant diversity of the broader Kings Heath community.
Community members like Jean Claude Kabuiku of Bold Actions CIC stress the importance of such spaces in promoting cohesion and inclusivity. “This centre allows people from various communities to come together, share interests from sewing to dancing, and break down barriers, fostering unity,” he said.
With a new website facilitating easy bookings and continued community engagement, the Kings Heath community centre stands as a shining example of grassroots resilience and the power of collective action.