‘Positive’ future secured for former Birmingham youth centre left vacant 'for years'

At least £250 million worth of assets, including properties and land, have been disposed of since the council declared itself effectively ‘bankrupt’ in September 2023.

The Labour-run council has approved a number of property sales this year, including one involving the Malcolm Locker Youth Centre in Wylde Green.

According to a report, the the former council youth centre has now been vacant for four years; is in poor condition and has been subject to incidents of anti-social behaviour.

The council said it considered two leading proposals for the city, with one being a housing-led scheme.

The other proposed bringing the building back into active use for “community-focused activity”.

A separate council document said this particular proposal is to sell the land and buildings on long lease to an existing, well-established Church which has served the local community for around 18 years.

“Their plans for the site include expanding community support initiatives such as warm spaces for those experiencing hardship, foodbank services, and counselling projects,” it said.

“They also intend to deliver structured youth development programmes focused on mentorship, life skills, and positive activities for young people.

“In addition, the Church aims to establish a place of worship that promotes spiritual growth, unity, and family support.

“In seeing the proposal completed, it could assist with availability of local services and see improved community cohesion.”

On why this particular proposal was chosen, the council said: “It offers a substantially larger and more clearly proposed community focused use, with delivery being far more straightforward to establish under an owner-operator model.”

It went on to say that the proposed lease would help support the council’s financial recovery and remove ongoing site management costs.

At a property meeting, Erdington councillor Robert Alden said he was “supportive” of the proposal, adding: “I think this will be a positive outcome.”

Councillors agreed to approve the proposed sale at the meeting earlier this week.

Birmingham-specific issues, such as the equal pay and Oracle debacles, contributed to council’s ‘bankruptcy’ while Labour councillors have also pointed the finger at funding cuts during the previous Conservative government.