Application by All Saints with Holy Trinity, Loughborough to the Charity Commission in respect of the Rosebery Centre

Application by All Saints with Holy Trinity, Loughborough to the Charity Commission in respect of the Rosebery Centre, Storer Road

Introduction

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of All Saints with Holy Trinity Church, Loughborough resolved at its most recent meeting that it would make an application to the Charity Commission of England and Wales (CCEW) in relation to the Rosebery Centre, which it currently holds on charitable trust. This application would remove what is called ‘the permanent endowment’. If granted by the CCEW this would enable the PCC flexibility to decide on the best future use and ownership of the Centre.

History

The Centre was built and established in June 1916, with the intention that it should primarily be used as a Sunday School for the new neighbouring church of St Peter in the recently-established parish of Loughborough St Peter.

Historical records show that the Centre was in use as a Sunday School and also for other groups, such as Scouts, Cubs, Girl Guides and Brownies, from its founding until at least the mid-1960s. Other events including parish jumble sales and other fundraising events were held there. From 1966 the centre took on more of a community-focussed role, being used by a wide variety of local groups and clubs including the Mothers’ Union, games and keep fit groups, as well as a venue for members of the local Indian and Bangladeshi communities to use for religious and wedding celebrations. By the mid-1970s and beyond, the involvement of the Church in the running of the Centre had mostly if not entirely ceased, and the management of the Centre had been delegated to a committee which at various times employed staff to administer it.

The Church of St Peter closed in the early 2000s, being formally declared redundant on 3 July 2007, and the parish and benefice were united with Loughborough All Saints with Holy Trinity on 27 October 2008. The property and assets held by the former parish/ PCC of St Peter were transferred to the new parish and benefice.

Following the unification of the parishes, the Centre, which had been known as St Peter’s Community Centre, became known as Rosebery St Peter’s Centre and was leased to, and run by, a former charitable company known as the Rosebery Community Centre Limited. The Covid-19 pandemic was very challenging for this charity, and it ceased to operate in 2021.

Current situation

The Centre is currently leased to a local charity which does vital work within the community of the parish and beyond.

Having given careful consideration to the options available to it, the PCC, as trustee, has determined that having a separate church rooms some distance from All Saints with Holy Trinity’s own building on Rectory Road is not furthering either the purposes of the original Trust Deed or its own core purposes. Indeed, the Centre, when it is unoccupied, as it has been in the recent past, operates more as a liability in terms of the cost of building maintenance than an asset to be put to public benefit.

The PCC is keen that the Centre continues to be used for broader charitable purposes for the public benefit if possible.

The PCC has therefore resolved to apply to the CCEW about the future use and ownership of the Centre, which would include the possibility of a sale. Any proceeds of sale would be applied towards the valuable mission and work of the PCC itself in accordance with its own objects as outlined above. The PCC’s objects are broad and indeed encompass the various purposes and activities set out in the original Trust Deed, particularly regarding education and providing meeting spaces for the parish and community to meet.

Your views

All Saints with Holy Trinity is Loughborough’s Parish Church and we appreciate that the Rosebery Centre has been a part of Loughborough’s local heritage and community landscape for over a century. Many local residents will have fond memories of attending a multitude of different events at the Centre. Many people will also have been involved in the administration of the building.

Societal change means that the original use and ownership of the building has necessarily altered and evolved. The PCC now wants to put the Centre on a firmer footing and ensure it continues its charitable mission updated for the 21st century.

If you have any questions on this document please email [email protected] or call 01509 217029

8 July 2025