Marcus Garvey Centre plans to open again by paying for own repairs

MANAGERS HOPE TO TAKE OVER THE BUILDING FROM CITY COUNCIL LANDLORDS IN BID TO ATTRACT GRANT FUNDING

- By LOUIS CORBETT

MANAGERS of Nottingham’s Marcus Garvey Centre - forced to close because of a fire risk - say they hope to take control of the building from the city council.

Tenants of the Howitt Building, in Lenton Boulevard, were told to leave in February because of issues with the fire doors.

But things aren't as clear cut for the Marcus Garvey Centre.

Now the people who run the centre, who say they have spent thousands on repairs, think Nottingham City Council could transfer ownership of the building to the community.

The Howitt building is also home to the Lenton Business Centre, which until recently housed around 100 small businesses.

The Marcus Garvey Centre oversees the ballroom in the building, a culturally significant venue for the city’s Afro-Caribbean community.

The centre also acts as a hub for events and essential services, such as a day care centre for the Windrush generation. The 600-capacity space allows residents to hold functions such as funerals and parties.