Three-step plan to save Marcus Garvey Centre

CAMPAIGNERS WANT CITY COUNCIL TO TRANSFER OWNERSHIP TO COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY

- By LOUIS CORBETT

A THREE-STEP plan that could save a hub for Nottingham’s African-Caribbean community has been submitted to Nottingham City Council.

If approved, the plan for the Marcus Garvey Centre, in Lenton Boulevard, could see ownership transferred from the council to a charity and community group, to serve the sole purpose of being a hub for the Afro-Caribbean community.

The West Cavaliers Indian Sports and Social Club - one of Nottingham’s oldest Afro-Caribbean organisations - and the Marcus Garvey Committee, which runs the Marcus Garvey Ballroom in the Howitt building, are waiting to hear from the council about their proposal.

The Marcus Garvey Centre in the Howitt building has been a cultural hub for the Afro-Caribbean community since the 1980s, providing a space for functions, parties and community events, as well as a day care centre for the Wind Rush generation.

The site is made up of Lenton Business Centre - the previous headquarters of Raleigh Bikes - the Howitt building and a collection of workshop units.

It was condemned in December 2024 due to a fire risk identified in the doors throughout the Howitt building and the business centre.

About 80 tenants of adjoining buildings received a 90-day notice to vacate the premises, leaving businesses, charities, and community groups with nowhere to go.

However, since this notice was served, the community has fought to save the centre, as there are few alternative spaces for the Afro-Caribbean community. It also offers low rents to local businesses.