INFORMATION UPDATE
Reidvale Neighbourhood Centre Current Situation – Seeking expressions of interest in the future running of the Centre We know there’s a lot of interest in the future of the Reidvale Neighbourhood Centre.
This statement aims to answer common questions and address some of the rumors we've heard.
Q1. Is the Reidvale Neighbourhood Centre closing?
No. There are no current plans to permanently close the Centre. However, we are reviewing how it operates to make sure it meets the needs of the community and represents good value for money.
Q2. Why is a review of the Centre happening now?
The new Reidvale Management Committee (March 2024 onwards) inherited arrangements for the Centre which are not financially sustainable. This included promises of financial support from other parties which were not forthcoming. The Committee has spent the past year looking closely at all its operations and services, and is about to publish a new business plan for the Association reflecting this work. As part of this process, we have initiated a review to identify a sustainable and community- focused future for the Centre. This process is about ensuring the building remains in community use, meets local needs, and is managed in a way that is accountable and financially viable.
Q3. Why have services and activities at the Centre been reduced recently?
We understand that local people have noticed a reduction in the range of services and activities on offer. These changes were made by the current occupier and are not the result of any decision made by the Housing Association. While this has understandably caused concern, it is important to stress that this was the occupier’s choice and not part of the wider review we are now undertaking.
Q4. Is it true that the current occupier is being evicted?
No. The current occupier can participate in the Expression of Interest process – relevant information is on our website. We have offered to guarantee bookings for existing services while this process is worked through, and have requested further information from the occupier to enable this. When and if we get this, we will be able to take further action. We are committed to ensuring continuity of valued services, and once we have the necessary information, we will move quickly to put those commitments in place. From the perspective of RHA, our tenants, and the wider community, it is essential that formal agreements are put in place setting out arrangements for the future running of the Centre. This ensures clarity, accountability, and legal protection for all parties – and safeguards the ongoing use of the Centre for the benefit of local residents.
Q5. Will local people be consulted about what happens next?
Yes – high levels of community consultation are central to the future of the Centre. We are committed to ensuring that any future management arrangements reflect the priorities and needs of the local community. The Expression of Interest process puts a strong emphasis on reflecting community needs and accountability to ensure that the Centre is managed by an organisation that is rooted in the community and committed to working in partnership with local people.
Q6. Could a community group take over the running of the Centre?
Yes. The future management of the Centre is open to proposals, including from local community groups, charities, social enterprises or other organisations with a strong community ethos. We’re committed to exploring viable options that ensure accountability, sustainability, and public benefit.
Q7. Will any services or activities be disrupted?
Our focus throughout this process is on continuity. We want to minimise disruption and ensure that valued services can continue with as little interruption as possible. Any future arrangements for the Centre will place a strong emphasis on sustaining and building upon existing provision.
Q8. When will a decision be made?
We aim to complete the Expression of Interest process in July, however it is unlikely a final decision will be made until we follow a process of negotiating the lease and a transitionary period that prioritises continuity of services to the local community.
Q9. What will happen if no suitable proposal comes forward?
If no viable proposals are received through the expression of interest process, the next option we will progress is the establishment of a charitable subsidiary to take on the management of the Centre. This model would include strong community representation and a clear focus on ensuring the Centre remains a sustainable, accountable, and community-led resource. Our commitment is to preserve the Centre for the benefit of local people, and this approach would provide a structured and legally sound way of ensuring continuity of use while embedding community involvement in its governance.
Conclusion
We know the Reidvale Neighbourhood Centre means a lot to the local community. We’re committed to ensuring it continues to play a positive and active role, and that any future plans are shaped by those who use it and care about its future.