Nottingham City Council facing backlash after announcing the closure of Lenton’shistoric community centre

By zafira Costello

Nottingham City Council announced the closure of the Lenton Business Centre due to
concerns about significant fire risks in the building back in December 2024. While this
decision had been described as ‘unavoidable’, businesses were informed in January that
they had only 28 days to leave the building, leaving many outraged at the short notice period
and the reasoning behind the closure.
Previously the headquarters of Raleigh Bikes, the Howitt Building was named after its
architect Thomas Cecil Howitt and was renowned for its impeccable Art Deco look. Now
known as the Lenton Business Centre, the building is also home to the Marcus Garvey
Centre, named after the Jamaican political activist. The centre has evolved into a treasured
community space for Nottingham’s Afro-Caribbean community, providing a variety of
services, from funerals and celebratory events to meals and care for the elderly. Home to
over 80 businesses, the Business Centre operates as a hub for charities, organisations, and
community service programmes.
In a letter to tenants in the centre, the Council wrote of their decision to close down the
building after significant safety concerns arose following a fire risk assessment. The
Council’s statement recognised the importance of the centre to the community and the
services available, and stated that they were “committed to working closely with all affected
tenants to provide immediate support and will actively work to explore all available options to
address the issues identified”. However, tenants have spoken out against the council’s
statement with claims that they have been offered no support regarding relocation and
efforts to consult with the council about the setbacks of the closure have been ignored and
blocked.
❝They sent us a letter with the eviction notice, and it says that
they’re there to help. But they’ve offered no help whatsoever.❞
Businesses operating in the centre have been actively looking to relocate by the deadline
given to them by the council, but the short time frame in which over 80 businesses have to
find a new location to run out of has become a barrier. Other business owners have taken to
social media to speak about their feelings over the closure, and revealed that finding other
office spaces and workshops has been a struggle due to the closure of several business
centres by the council.
In the town meetings held in the lead up to the eviction deadline, businesses have discussed
the ramifications of the closure on their business operations and support, with many fearing
that news of the centre’s closure will result in a loss of customers.
❝I’m worried that if my customers find out my business is in
jeopardy and I’m unreliable, I’m going to lose regular customers
who will go somewhere else that is reliable. One bad review on

Google, and my reputation that I’ve been building over the last 15
years is finished.❞
Campaigners and tenants have made it clear that the council do not understand the impact
of their decision on local businesses, with the financial losses and suspension of operations
being the main concerns for many.
One tenant, who has been outspoken about his concerns in the town meetings, has
managed his business operations from the Business Centre since 2011. When asked how
the closure would affect his business, he explained that the news had already disrupted his
business, with his divided attention of finding new workshop locations adding to the struggle
of advertising his business.
❝There’s also the worry that it’s going to affect the amount of work
I have this year. If I have to move, I have all the additional costs of
moving, and my rent in a new place would probably be more.❞
In attempts to push back against the closure, the Black Community Action Group started a
petition available on change.org which has garnered significant support from locals, with
over 12,000 signatures. The petition emphasises the importance of the Marcus Garvey
Centre to the community, describing it as ‘a beacon of cultural pride, unity and
empowerment’ for Nottingham’s culturally diverse communities. Campaigners have called
attention to the council’s failure to protect the building and honour its obligations to maintain
the building. The petition also outlines the group’s demands, such as transferring ownership
of the building to the community to ensure the centre’s legacy remains intact and preserved
for future generations.
❝The centre caters to the community’s diverse groups, from the
disabled to the elderly to children, and more. Closing would be a big
loss for everyone who uses the services the centre provides.❞
Sign the petition below and help save the Marcus Garvey Centre today.
change.org/p/save-the-marcus-garvey-centre-protect-nottingham-s-cultural-heart