Centre's closure shows 'a lack of dignity and respect’ for community

WINDRUSH COMMISSIONER SLAMS MARCUS GARVEY DECISION

- By GEORGE PALMER-SOADY

THE Government's top advisor on the Windrush scandal is “very concerned” about the future of Nottingham’s historic Marcus Garvey Centre.

The UK's first Windrush Commissioner, the Rev Clive Foster MBE, blasted the “lack of dignity and respect for communities” behind the decision to close the Lenton centre.

The Marcus Garvey Centre - in what was once Raleigh's head office in Lenton Boulevard - has been an important place for the city’s black communities since 1983. It housed black-run businesses, a popular ballroom and a day care centre.

But, after years of decay and disrepair, Nottingham City Council decided a year ago to close the building after finding fire safety risks.

Despite passionate campaigning and ongoing attempts to hand the building back to the community, little progress has been made.

Mr Foster, who spent decades heading campaign groups in Nottingham before being appointed as Windrush Commissioner, hopes the centre will swiftly reopen.