The centre, originally a secondary school, has had a chequered history. There has been frequent changes of management, vandalism and arson attacks. It was refurbished, after extensive fire damage, in the early twentieth century. The management committee, made up of local residents, remained active during the closure period. They undertook an intensive training programme, largely with Hull Federation of Community Organisations. During this time, they were also supported by a paid worker funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). They also received input from the area community participation officer for a short period.
A Local Community association “had originally taken over the building in 1997."
The redevelopment had strong support from the local ward councillors, John Black, Betty Hewitt and John Hewitt. But the overall agenda was a facility for the community run by the community.
