New 35-year lease for community hub in St Marks offered to Alliance for Equality

The new 35-year lease means that the hub can continue to improve and grow its facilities in St Marks where there has been a community centre since 1947.

Alliance for Equality plans to create a welcoming and inclusive space at the new hub where everyone feels comfortable. Proposals include co-working spaces and events rentals, a café and community kitchen, paid training and workshops, cultural and educational workshops and mental health and wellbeing services.

Cllr Alisha Lewis, cabinet for finance and assets, said: “When we met Alliance for Equality we were inspired by their ambitious plans for the hub, and their inclusive ethos which really lives up to the spirit of Cheltenham. They have big plans for the hub which will tackle some of the biggest challenges facing the community, whilst reopening a much-loved local asset for residents to enjoy year-round.

“The new hub will be a huge asset and has a great future ahead of it.”

Around £1m funding is needed to bring the building up to health and safety standards. The club has a schedule of fundraising and sponsorship, including approaching local businesses for support as well as volunteering to ensure that the funding targets are met.

Anka Jablonska, chief executive officer from Alliance for Equality, continued: “We’re absolutely delighted to have been offered the new lease which means we can build a hub to offer educational, cultural and wellness services for everyone in our communities. We’re looking forward to working with our community and youth members for decisions on how we can ensure that we get the very best services.”

A formal decision on the lease will be made at a cabinet meeting at the end of November.

Cllr Rowena Hay, council leader, continued: “We were very keen that this much-loved centre was kept and used by the community, and we’re absolutely delighted that Alliance for Equality are taking it on. With their insightful plans and proposals, backed up with a solid business case, we’re sure that the community centre will continue to thrive.’’

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Notes
The community centre at St Marks was formerly leased to St Marks Community Association however the trustees decided not to renew their lease when it expired at the end of September 2024. 

As the building was showing signs of disrepair the council carried out a full condition survey which showed that significant investment of around £1m is needed to keep it safe and operational. The tenants are responsible for the upkeep of the property. The previous trustees were not required to pay rent and business rates were subject to 80 per cent relief as a charity, in line with Government policy.