Duffield Community Centre Update June 2026
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Original article taken from Duffield Parish Council and Duffield Scene July 2026
Duffield Parish Council is pleased to provide an update on the exciting progress being made with the Community Centre Project at the former Methodist Church.
Following the acquisition of the building last year, the project has now moved into its next phase with the formal establishment of a dedicated Delivery Committee to oversee and drive the project forward.
The Committee comprises Councillors Steve Knee (Chair), Greg Broadbent (Vice Chair), Mark Spilsbury, Pippa Rowen and Julie Corne. The Council has also invited a number of individuals with specialist knowledge and local experience to provide advice and support to the project. These include Nigel Williams (Building Advisor), Paul McLocklin (Architectural Advisor), and Andy Page, Mike Corne and Nigel Hooker (Community Representatives and Project Advisors).
The Delivery Committee held its first formal meeting in June and will meet regularly to oversee all aspects of the project’s development and delivery.
A significant milestone has also been reached with the appointment of Carl Norris as the project’s dedicated Project Manager.
Carl brings more than 30 years of experience in construction and project management, having successfully delivered a wide range of refurbishment and development projects across both the public and private sectors. His background includes managing multi- million-pound projects, coordinating complex teams of consultants and contractors, supporting funding applications and financial planning, and working closely with local communities and stakeholders. Carl recently completed a Master’s degree in Sustainable Architecture and Healthy Buildings and is passionate about creating high-quality community spaces that are accessible, sustainable and fit for the future.
Carl is currently coordinating the enabling works required to prepare the building for its initial opening. These works will allow parts of the facility to become operational within the next few months, creating opportunities for community use while longer-term plans continue to be developed.
As preparations continue for the initial opening, we are inviting local groups, organisations, businesses and individuals who may be interested in hiring or using space within the Community Centre to get in touch and register their interest. Whether you are looking for meeting space, activity rooms, office accommodation, rehearsal facilities, community event space or opportunities to deliver services from the building, we would be pleased to hear from you. Understanding potential demand at this early stage will help inform future development plans and ensure that the facilities we provide are shaped around the needs of the village and its residents.
Alongside the initial opening programme, the Council is working towards a much more ambitious vision for the site. Larger-scale development and refurbishment works are expected to be progressed from the autumn onwards, with the aim of creating the best possible community facility for Duffield both now and for future generations.
As with any major community project, funding remains a key priority. The Council is actively pursuing a range of grant opportunities and funding applications to support the next stages of development.
In addition, the Council is currently considering the rationalisation of certain existing assets, with a view to relocating Council staff and operations into the Community Centre in the future. This would create a more central, accessible and visible base for community engagement while helping to support the long-term sustainability of the project.
The Council would like to thank everyone who has supported the project so far. We are continuing to seek additional donations, sponsorship and fundraising support from local residents, community groups and businesses.
A GoFundMe page has been established for those wishing to contribute towards the project. Further information about sponsorship opportunities and becoming a Named Founder of the project can also be found on the Duffield Parish Council website.
This project represents a once- in-a-generation opportunity to create a vibrant, sustainable and welcoming community hub at the heart of the village. We look forward to sharing further updates as work progresses over the coming months.
If you would like to get involved, volunteer, sponsor the project or make a donation, please visit the Parish Council website or contact the Project Team directly – details are on the Parish Council website.
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