If you’ve walked, cycled or driven past The Green in the last couple of days, you’ll almost certainly have noticed the metal security fencing and scaffolding just erected at Ruddington’s former Youth & Community (‘Young People’s) Centre.
Originally owned and maintained by Nottinghamshire County Council (NCC) it has lain empty and disused since December 2016, with the main building having to be boarded up in 2018 following repeated acts of vandalism. In December 2019 Ruddington Parish Council (RPC) announced it had purchased the facility from NCC to refurbish it and put it back into use by our community.
After delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, a Community Centre working group was set up by RPC later in 2020. Its members carried out an Open Survey during November and December that year for Ruddington residents to voice our opinions on core aspects of what it should offer and be used for in the future. However, by April 2021, RPC had discovered the current building (opened only in 1983) was in such a dilapidated state (with asbestos adding to their problems) they would need to bulldoze it and start again.
Later that year, bold plans were unveiled to erect more modern facilities in its place. The designs were drawn up by Architectural Advisor Chris Marriott, in conjunction with RPC, and another public consultation held on the proposed appearance and layout of new buildings on the site behind The Green (as shown below).
These plans received a generally positive public response, although some villagers favoured the whole site being turned into a much-needed extra parking area instead. Parking spaces are included in the plans – but turning RPC’s vision into reality could take some time, whilst the relevant funding is found.
After a delay in demolishing the current building, caused by a survey finding evidence of roosting bats, it’s finally now being knocked down. The site will then be levelled, with a view to allowing parking there until plans for a new ‘Ruddington Community Centre’ can be realised.
Ruddington Parish Council has told RUDDINGTON.info the demolition work, which started on Monday (July 3rd), is scheduled to take five weeks. It apologises for any disturbance caused during this period.
