Leicester City Council says the building may become unsafe in the future
08:56, 15 Feb 2026
(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
A community centre described as a “safe haven” for young people is fighting to stay open after Leicester City Council announced the building could close as part of sweeping cost-cutting measures.
The St Matthews Community Centre, in Malabar Road, has long provided a space and services for families across the St Matthews estate.
Leicester City Council has confirmed the building is among those under review as it looks to save £23 million from its budget.
According to council records, reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was discovered in the centre’s sports hall. The council says the presence of RAAC means the building is unsafe in the medium to long term.
Plans have been proposed to relocate the library to another site on the estate, but the future of the rest of the centre remains uncertain.
The centre hosts weekly dance and art classes, provides childcare, delivers technology lessons and runs community breakfasts. For young people in particular, it has become a crucial support network.
Mariam, a 20-year-old law student who volunteers at the centre, said her involvement has been life-changing.
“My life was so boring before I started working for the community here. I’m very social compared to what I was then.
“It gives us an opportunity as young people for more networking. It introduced me to many people, MPs, lawyers, and friends.
“It is about giving back to the community, but it is also helping me on a personal level.
“It’s more than just a building – it’s the heart of our community where young people can stay off the streets.
“The council can’t complain about problems in the city and say it is unsafe when they have a safe haven and then shut it down.”
A petition launched on Change.org calling on the council to save the centre has attracted more than 1,000 signatures since it was created last Saturday (February 7).
The petition was set up by Women 4 Change, a local activist group.
Its founder, Farhiyo Abdui, volunteers at St Matthews because her local community centre was a “lifeline” for her family growing up.
She said: “There are people out there who have no families. This is their family. We are the glue that holds everyone together.
“If this place goes, we feel like people are going to lose out. People are going to keep themselves to themselves – that will lead to more problems.”
The proposed closure has been raised in Parliament by Shockat Adam, the independent MP for Leicester South, who says it would be “devastating” for the community.
He said: “Every time I visit the St Matthews Centre, I see a place where young friendships are formed, women’s clubs thrive, and families are supported.
“In an area already lacking facilities, closing it would take more than a building. It would devastate a community that depends on it every day.
“I have raised the alarm in Parliament and urge the Labour-run city council to work with the community to ensure that the essential services provided continue.”
Research from the London School of Economics (LSE) has consistently ranked St Matthews among the most deprived neighbourhoods in Leicester.
Mariam added that the neighbourhood would be “broken” without the community centre.
Leicester City Council says a decision on the centre’s future is expected shortly.
A city council spokesperson said: “Leicester City Council undertook a three-month consultation on the future of libraries and community centres in spring 2025, with recommendations published in November.
“St Matthews Centre is not sustainable or safe in the medium to longer term future due to the poor condition of the building.
“Following feedback from local residents, it is recommended to relocate St Matthews Library and some services to St Matthews Children’s, Young People and Family Centre on the same estate. It’s not yet been determined what will happen to the site of the current centre.
“The city council will work in partnership with community groups to support them to relocate.”