Kettering community centre project in urgent plea for volunteers

With the project in danger of ‘stalling,’ an appeal has been made to help transform the former Maplefields School sports hall into a community centre.

An estimated £15,000 is needed to help with the refurbishment once the utilities are reconnected and the management company needs directors to make financial and legal decisions.

Lesley Thurland, one of the directors who has been involved in the project for nearly 15 years, said: “The time has come for new people to step up to take this forward to ensure Maplefields becomes part of our community. While we have approached local councillors over a number of years, we have been unable to form a fully-functioning committee to take on the responsibility of the centre.”

Since being granted the hall, new homes have been developed on the adjacent former school site. A 17-year lease remains on the hall but ‘due to circumstances beyond their control’ including Covid and the untimely death of one of the team, the project has stalled.

Various groups have expressed an interest in hiring the space offered at the community hall, however without at least five senior directors and people responsible for opening and closing the building during rental periods, this project will fold.

New directors and committee members need to be finalised by the end of June 2024 at the latest and the group will hold an open evening at the community centre on Friday, June 7, from 6pm. This will allow anyone interested to find out more about the project.

Ash Davies, another director, added: “We are keen to hear from any local organisations, groups or sports clubs who are looking for new space and would like to take on the lease of the building.

"Although I’ve only been involved since 2014, it would be such a shame for this project to fold.”

To find out more email [email protected] or attend the open evening at the Maplefelds Community Centre in Britannia Road, Kettering from 6pm on Friday, June 7.