Our Story Through the Years
Built by our community, for our community.
Where It All Began
The idea for Marsh Community Centre began around 1997, when local resident Wayne Brennand highlighted the desperate need for a community centre on the Marsh estate.
His appeal led to a front-page article in The Citizen newspaper and helped spark a community campaign to create a place where local people could come together.
A Community Comes Together
Councillor Jon Barry contacted Wayne and a meeting was held at the Victoria pub, on the corner of West Road and Willow Lane.
This led to a public meeting at St George's Church, with a double-decker bus travelling around the Marsh estate to help publicise the event.
The campaign gathered momentum, and the Council promised financial support to help make the Centre a reality.
Building Our Future
After five years of planning, construction finally began in 2002.
An unsuccessful Lottery bid meant the original plans for a £1 million building had to be reduced to a £200,000 project.
The community decided to go ahead and build the shell of the Centre, with money for decorating, equipment and carpets coming later.
What mattered most was getting the Centre built for the people of the Marsh.
At the Heart of the Marsh
Today, Marsh Community Centre is a welcoming community hub supporting children, young people, families and older residents.
From our Food Club and Open Access support to youth activities, wellbeing groups, family sessions and volunteering, we continue to bring people together.
Our Centre has grown and developed, but our purpose remains the same: supporting our community and creating opportunities for everyone.
