Birmingham City Council has approved the sale of the Falcon Lodge Community Centre in Sutton Coldfield to a local charitable organisation, marking what councillors describe as a major milestone in efforts to revive the much-loved facility. The centre has been closed since 2024, leaving a void in the community.
Sale Approval and Next Steps
Councillor Richard Parkin, representing Sutton Reddicap ward, announced on July 20 that the Cabinet Committee (Property) had given the green light for the sale. The Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust has also received approval to demolish the existing building and replace it with temporary portacabins, with plans to construct a new permanent community centre in consultation with residents.
“This marks a hugely exciting milestone towards the creation of a new community centre in the middle of Falcon Lodge,” Parkin wrote on Facebook. He added that the demolition plans have been signed off, representing “two massive steps forwards on the journey towards an exciting future.”
Background and Community Impact
The centre closed after Compass Support’s lease with the council ended in 2024, and the building was handed back to the local authority. Residents previously described the closure as a “huge loss,” noting that there is “so little” for young people to do in the area. Parkin had been working on the project for nearly two years, vowing to bring back the “sorely missed” community hub.
“Today is a momentous day for the local area,” Parkin said. “I have been working on this project for almost two years since the building was closed in 2024, leaving a massive dent in the heart of the local community.” He credited the Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust and council officers for their hard work and dedication.
Future Plans
The temporary portacabins will ensure continuity of services while the permanent building is developed. The trust will engage residents in designing the new facility, aiming to create a space that meets local needs. The council’s approval is seen as a key step in restoring a vital community asset in Sutton Coldfield.
