About the project

What does this community space/venue do?

Babworth Court Community Centre is located at the heart of a densely populated, highly deprived residential estate in Mansfield. Situated on the ground floor of a block of flats, the centre has the potential to provide a valuable community hub for local residents. However, it is currently closed and unused due to the poor condition of the building and a lack of resources. The building is owned by the council and they have recommended this venue to us to renovate using their funding. The aim is to refurbish the centre with fresh, modern décor and bring this valuable community asset back into use before Christmas. This would enable the council to support families experiencing financial hardship through food packages and Christmas hampers, alongside hosting wider community events and activities. A key priority is also to provide support for people experiencing homelessness during the winter months, with the council hoping to operate the centre as an overnight winter shelter. Refurbishing the building would therefore help create a welcoming, practical space to support vulnerable residents and meet urgent local needs.

What is VIY doing?

VIY will undertake a programme of internal and external improvements to revitalise Babworth Court Community Centre and create a more modern, attractive and welcoming environment for future community use. The works will include the full preparation and redecoration of the main community hall, including walls, ceilings and skirting boards, alongside a freshen-up of the kitchen, office, toilets and main corridor. Under the two-week option, further enhancements will include the installation of decorative tongue-and-groove timber panelling and dado rail within the main hall, with replacement flooring subject to suitability and budget. Additional improvements will focus on creating a more inviting entrance through decorative corridor panelling and the redecoration of the main entrance doors, both internally and externally. Externally, VIY will restore the existing community bench, construct two additional timber seating benches and bespoke timber planters near the entrance, and prepare and repaint the existing metal railings with a fresh protective coating. Together, these improvements will transform the centre, improve its overall appearance and functionality, and provide a more welcoming space for local residents, community activities, events and support services.

What will be the impact of our project?

The project will help bring Babworth Court Community Centre back into use, transforming a currently closed building into a welcoming, safe and accessible hub for local residents. Its planned reopening ahead of Christmas will provide an opportunity to support families experiencing financial hardship through access to food and essential items, while potentially offering warm spaces and practical support for people experiencing homelessness or other forms of hardship. The improvements will create a more comfortable and dignified environment for residents to access vital services, connect with others and take part in community activities, helping to reduce isolation and provide a valuable resource for the area both during the winter months and long into the future.

Project contact: charlie@teamviy.com.