Statement on East Oxford Community Centre

Dear East Oxford resident,

It's true - Oxford City Council wants a bigger and better community centre for local people in East Oxford. And we’'re working hard to come up with different ideas to see how we can make that happen.

We have no secret plans. We are spending £200,000 on a feasibility study to see how we can fund a £1.5m improvement of East Oxford Community Centre. This could possibly include the sale of the Film Oxford and East Oxford Games Hall sites. Community groups, centre users and local people will help shape those plans and everyone will be fully consulted on any detailed proposals, but we need to see whether or not the scheme is feasible and how it could look first.

We know just how important the East Oxford Community Centre is to you and your family. But the Council and many others have been seriously concerned with the way the centre has been run. Despite warnings, nothing has changed. That is why we said – almost 12 months ago – that we will be taking over the temporary management of the Centre from September.

It means we will be making small improvements and adding new and exciting sessions and activities to what is already on offer. That is what local people have told us they want and we’re keen to help you enjoy your time at the centre even more.

The Community Centre is here for everyone to enjoy, to meet up, and to join in. None of that will change. We’re working with the Centre’s Community Reference Group to draw up a wish list of possible further improvements to the centre. We’ll also be discussing ideas with you at a public meeting to see how together we can make them happen.

I hope this statement reassures you that your community centre is here to stay. Better than that – we want it to go from strength to strength and serve you and the whole community even better.  

With good wishes,

Councillor Christine Simm, Oxford City Council Executive Board Member for Communities and Culture