Save The Marcus Garvey Centre – Protect Nottingham’s Cultural Heart.

For over 40 years, the Marcus Garvey Centre, Ballroom & Day Centre has stood as a beacon of cultural pride, unity, and empowerment for Nottingham’s Afro-Caribbean, African, South Asian, and wider diverse communities. It has been a vital hub where elders, young people, and families have gathered to celebrate heritage, foster connections, and support one another. However, its future is now under serious threat.

Despite its profound historical and social significance, Nottingham City Council has failed in its duty to protect this essential institution. Instead of ensuring its continued success, the Council has imposed restrictive barriers that prevent vital repairs and services. Even more concerning are indications that the Council is seeking to sell the property, putting at risk the well-being of vulnerable groups, including the elderly of the Windrush Generation, and jeopardising a cherished community cornerstone.

We demand that Nottingham City Council takes urgent action to safeguard the Marcus Garvey Centre by:

1. Transferring Ownership to the Community – The Centre must be granted exclusive rights to purchase the building for a nominal fee of £1.00, ensuring that it remains in community hands and its legacy is preserved for future generations.

2. Lifting Restrictions on Repairs – Essential repairs, including those identified in the Fire Risk Assessment, must be permitted without unnecessary interference. The Tenant, the West Indian Cavaliers Sports & Social Club (WICSSC), has offered to fund these repairs, yet the Council has blocked all progress.

3. Halting Plans to Sell the Centre – The Council must formally commit to preserving the Marcus Garvey Centre and its Day Care Service. Any discussions on the site’s future must include full, transparent consultation with the affected communities.

4. Reopening the Ballroom and Day Centre Immediately – The unjust closure of these spaces has severely impacted vital services, including meal provisions for the elderly and cultural programmes for young people. These spaces must be reinstated without delay.

5. Honouring Legal Obligations to Maintain the Centre – Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, the Council has a duty to ensure the building is properly maintained and fit for use. This obligation must be upheld.

6. Granting a 25-Year Lease – The Council must secure a long-term lease for the Centre and Ballroom to safeguard essential community services for future generations.
 

By saving the Marcus Garvey Centre, we will:

Strengthen vital education, cultural, and social programmes that serve the local community.
Protect the legacy of Marcus Garvey, ensuring his vision of empowerment and unity continues to thrive.
Preserve a safe and inclusive space that uplifts all Nottingham residents, particularly those from marginalised and underserved backgrounds.
 

The Marcus Garvey Centre, Ballroom & Day Centre is more than just a building—it is a symbol of resilience, heritage, and community spirit. We cannot allow it to be lost to neglect, bureaucracy, or commercial interests.

Sign this petition now to demand that Nottingham City Council acts immediately to protect and preserve the Marcus Garvey Centre for future generations!