Residents of Sutton Coldfield have described the closure of Falcon Lodge Youth and Community Centre as a 'huge loss' for the area, with young people now facing a severe lack of activities. The centre, located on Churchill Road, served the community for decades before its lease ended in 2024, forcing it to shut its doors.
Impact on the Community
Denise Taylor, manager of Second Thoughts Community Shop and a local resident, highlighted the negative consequences. 'We've had a load of vandalism on the Lodge caused by young people. Kids climbing on the community centre roof and throwing things off,' she said. 'We had brackets for flower baskets being broken, flower pots, all the flowers have been pulled out of them.'
Taylor emphasised the lack of alternatives for youth. 'There's nothing else for them to do. People complain about them being in the park, so I don't know what kids are supposed to do.' She noted that while some activities like Scouts, Beavers, Brigades, and The Gap exist, more youth services are urgently needed.
Loss of Vital Services
The centre was operated by charity Compass Support under a lease with Birmingham City Council. When the lease ended in 2024, the building was handed back to the council. Taylor stated, 'The loss of the community centre here is huge, and I know the local councillor is battling to get another group to take it on, which is ongoing and still a possibility because there was always youth work there, and losing that was a huge thing for Falcon Lodge.'
Councillor's Efforts
Councillor Richard Parkin, representing Sutton Reddicap ward, acknowledged the centre's significance. 'I am keenly aware of the need to get the community centre re-opened in Falcon Lodge. It has been closed for too long and has been sorely missed,' he said. 'An active and vibrant community centre is not only a welcoming public space where local residents can meet for social, educational, and recreational activities. It also serves as an essential neighbourhood hub with services designed to provide support and improve community well-being.'
Parkin revealed he has been working with council officers and partners for two years to establish a new centre. 'I remain hopeful that Falcon Lodge will have a community centre which local residents can be proud of and which will meet the needs of all those living in the area. And I will continue to do my utmost to try and make this happen.'
Call for Action
The closure has left a void, with residents calling for immediate action to address youth needs and reduce vandalism. The community awaits progress on reopening the centre or providing alternative facilities.
