Story perspectives

Community Fights to Save St Matthews Centre Amid Closure Threat

2/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Leicester City Council plans to close St Matthews Community Centre to save £23 million, citing safety concerns from reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in the building.
Local residents and volunteers, including 20-year-old Mariam, say the centre is a vital hub for community support.
A petition to save the centre has garnered over 1,000 signatures.
Independent MP Shockat Adam has raised concerns in Parliament, saying closure would devastate the area.

History

Historical Context

Established in 1965, the UK's Community Centre Programme aimed to foster local engagement through community hubs like St Matthews Community Centre, which now supports over 1,000 residents. However, Leicester City Council's proposed closure, driven by £23 million in savings and safety concerns, threatens to dismantle decades of community-building efforts, jeopardizing local resilience and support systems.

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Story summary

Leicester City Council plans to close St Matthews Community Centre to save £23 million, citing safety concerns from reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in the building.
Local residents and volunteers, including 20-year-old Mariam, say the centre is a vital hub for community support.
A petition to save the centre has garnered over 1,000 signatures.
Independent MP Shockat Adam has raised concerns in Parliament, saying closure would devastate the area.

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