Chatham Court Community Hub proves to be an important asset for the local community

The Community Hub was created as part of the Newark Safer Streets project, a partnership between the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Nottinghamshire Police, Newark and Sherwood District Council and Nottinghamshire County Council that was initiated with the aim of improving security in areas particularly affected by crimes such as burglary, vehicle theft and robbery. The project works towards deterring crime and anti-social behaviour by strengthening community cohesion and enhancing the local environment. 

Regular events are often held at the Hub, which acts as a one stop shop for community services. Local residents can benefit from face-to-face contact with Council and partner services for a range of enquiries, including housing and tenancy support and community safety concerns.

Over the Christmas period, around 50 residents attended a festive outside the Hub. Children received gifts from Santa, while families came together to sing Christmas carols, while having the opportunity to speak with the District Council’s tenant involvement staff.

Councillor David Lloyd, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “It is brilliant to see that the Hub at Chatham Court is being used by so many people in the local community.

“It was created with the hope of making it much easier for residents to access the support, information and services they need to improve their lives and resolve any issues they have, and I know many residents are benefitting from this. I’m so pleased that residents are using the Hub to join together for coffee mornings and clubs; community cohesion is so important and the Hub is a fantastic way to bring everyone together.”

Construction on the Hub commenced at the start of 2021 to transform the former one-bedroom, ground floor council flat into an impressive community space, featuring a new, ramped external entrance, meeting room and office, complete with computers with internet access for residents to use.

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry said: “It is really rewarding to see the Chatham Community Hub being used so widely by local people.

“The pandemic has reminded us how important our social networks and connections are for our health and wellbeing and I’m pleased this new facility has become the focus of positive activity for so many people.”

Inspector Charlotte Allardice, District Commander for Newark and Sherwood, said: “It’s great to hear that the Hub at Chatham Court is getting good and positive feedback and being used by so many people in the local community.

“The opening of the hub in August this year in Newark town centre meant our officers could have more vital face-to-face policing and speak to residents about any concerns they may have.

“This hub is great way to highlight how well we work alongside our partners in making sure the people of Newark are supported and feel they have somewhere to turn to speak about any issues they may be having.

“It’s a great way for us to be accessible to the public and we would encourage everyone to continue using the hub and coming in to speak with officers so we can help in anyway we can with any issues of concern.”

The District Council would like to receive feedback on what else the Hub could be used for to benefit the local community. If you have any ideas, please contact getinvolved@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk.