Doncaster Council

Learning & Leisure (Development of a Multicultural Centre) and the link with Enterprise & Creative Industries

The Learning & Leisure provision was one of eighteen recommendations contained in the 2003 Mayoral White Paper (Towards A Better Understanding)

Phase 1 - Consultation - Establishing a need

MEL Regeneration Ltd. was commissioned to undertake an extensive programme of consultations, with the co-operation of public sector stakeholders and Doncaster residents, to identify the requirements and aspirations of ethnic communities in Doncaster. 

In May 2006 MEL Regeneration produced a proposal, endorsed and supported by the Mayor of Doncaster, to establish a Multicultural Learning & Leisure Centre for the diverse communities of Doncaster.

Phase 2 - Building and Design Issues

A Steering Group, including representatives from ethnic communities, was formed to provide advice and guidance to Council Officers and continues to meet.  The vision, developed through consultation, was for……

A Centre where the learning and leisure provision would be the catalyst for developing mutual understanding/respect across Doncaster’s multicultural population, and for building cohesive communities so that Doncaster is recognised as a town that values diversity and promotes inter-cultural relationships.   With the help of Doncaster Council’s Building Design Services, the group have a specification for the Centre and looked at the suitability of a number of buildings and sites in Doncaster.

Specification:

• Town centre location, accessible by public transport and with parking

• Central support unit (reception, security, admin etc.)

• Office spaces and function room for rent

• Training/ICT rooms

• Interview/counselling rooms

• Prayer/quiet room

• Resource library

• Creche

Phase 3 - Moving Forward - The Next Steps

Additional workshops took place in April ’07: 

A stakeholders’ workshop to establish commitment from statutory and voluntary organisations and a workshop to identify the space required and frequency of use by ethnic community groups.  

As a result of feasibility studies supported by Doncaster Council inward investment, CIDA (Creative Industries Development Agency) were commissioned to examine a role for the recently vacated Church View building, owned by Doncaster College and the home of their Art & Design provision for many years.  A partnership between Learning & Leisure, Doncaster NDC (New Deal for Communities) and CIDA identified a wider vision for Church View.... A place where creative enterprise, community and learning meet.

NDC's vision is for..... A community-owned asset to promote neighbourhood development, community cohesion and local enterprise growth; using creative processes to engage, encourage learning and create new business opportunities.

The creation of such a resource would be unique in the UK for bringing together creative business with Doncaster's wide and varied international community, giving long lasting benefits and opportunities to the borough of Doncaster. 

Current Position

The partnership is waiting for Doncaster College to complete their property review and consider their options.

More Information

If you would like more information on the Learning & Leisure Multicultural Centre please do not hesitate to contact:

Lilian Kennedy, Programmes Consultant using the contact details provided at the top of this web page.